BOOK lovers are being urged to speak out about a major shake-up of library services.

It is hoped that changes to the service across Worcestershire will make it more user-friendly, easier to run and, significantly, cut costs for the council.

However, before self-serve units like those in Bromsgrove and Malvern are introduced or the council starts charging people to use the internet, there will be a public consultation.

The aim of the consultation is to get the best out of the libraries and determine what residents want from them.

"There's already been a great deal of interest in the proposals that we've put forward as a result of the consultants' report on the library service," said Councillor Philip Gretton, cabinet member for adult and community services. "And the initial feedback that we've had confirms what we already knew, that our libraries are greatly valued and play a huge part in community life."

The report is available online at worcestershire.whub.org.uk/static/wccindex.htm