NOW is your chance to have your say on the future of libraries in the Vale.

The public consultation phase of the proposed changes to the Vale of Glamorgan's library service is now underway and the council are asking for your views.

Facing significant financial pressure in the face of funding cuts, the Vale of Glamorgan Council needs to make £32million saving over the next three years.

As part of a council-wide reshaping of services, plans have been drawn up to change the way libraries across the Vale operate and make them "financially viable".

At a special council meeting earlier this month, votes were made in favour of proposals to cut opening hours at the Vale's four major libraries - Barry, Penarth, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major - and to recruit volunteers to run the remaining five libraries in Sully, Wenvoe, Dinas Powys, St Athan and Rhoose.

The three most significant proposed changes have now been put to library users and Vale residents for consultation.

Councillor Stuart Egan, the cabinet member responsible for the library service in the Vale, said: “Business as usual is simply not an option in the current financial climate and the library strategy presents a fundamental change to how some services are delivered.

“We know that libraries and the services that they provide are important to our residents.

For this reason we are carrying out extensive consultation with library users, local residents, community groups, and a range of other stakeholders.”

Earlier this month Plaid Cymru councillor Ian Johnson, a vocal opponent of the plans, urged the public to speak out against the plans.

“There is substantial concern about the impact of these changes upon the Vale library service which is held in very high regard," he said. “I urge all Vale of Glamorgan residents to get involved in the consultation and let the council know what you think of these plans.”

You can have your say on the proposed introduction of community libraries, changes to library opening hours and the relocation of St Athan library online at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/librarystrategy, by calling 01446 700111 or by attending one of the drop-in sessions being held at libraries across the Vale during the consultation period.

The consultation will close Wednesday, December 31.