RESIDENTS are being urged to stage a 'read-in' at Borehamwood Library this week to highlight impending cuts by Hertfordshire County Council.

Louise Aldridge, of Cardinal Avenue, is asking members of the public to join her on one of the last Fridays the Elstree Way library is open.

With the help of local people, she hopes to keep the pressure on the county council to make a commitment that they will reverse changes to opening-times once the economic climate improves and funds become available.

County Hall will slash hours by almost 40 per cent on July 4, meaning the service will be closed on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, completely shut on Fridays, and will stay open until 7pm on weekdays, instead of 8pm previously.

Mrs Aldridge said she felt the choice of days and times to cut was “weird”, as many people used the library on Friday evenings after shopping or visiting The Venue leisure centre.

However, a council spokesperson said: “While many councils have closed library branches completely, all 47 of Hertfordshire's branch libraries have remained open, despite extreme financial pressures.

“We consider that it is very important for our residents to be able to access a library. That’s why we have staggered the new timetable so that when your local library isn't open, a nearby branch will be."

Mrs Aldridge is asking residents to join her and make use of the Borehamwood library services on Friday, June 3 from 9.30am.