A consultation into plans to cut the opening hours of many of Kents libraries to end on Tuesday 29th of January- with council bosses looking to save £1 million.

Under the proposed cuts library hours will be adjusted based on how well used they are throughout the day with the opening hours being adjusted based on the number of visitors. 

Some libraries, such as Dartford library could see their hours cut by up to 15 hours a week. Libraries in Ashford and Maidstone could see up to 13 hours a week cut. 

In a statement the council said the cuts are a result of it trying to respond to changes in the way people use libraries. 

The authority has been forced to slash its budget by millions in recent years due to cuts to central government funding. 

Author and screenwriter Julie Wassmer is strongly opposed to the proposed cuts.  

She said: “Its very important that we fight hard to keep our public libraries open.” 

She also urged everyone to go and vote on the consultation which is available on the Kent County Council website kent.gov.uk/lrastrateg. 

The Whitstable based author also added : “Apart form the loaning of book they are a very valuable social service especially when so many councils are strapped for cash, they are a safe place for our children to go.” 

Wassmer also said the role librarians play is almost as important as teachers and suggested that there are plenty of better ways for the council to find the £1 million pounds.