Three London boroughs to merge libraries in an attempt to stave off closures (UK)

Libraries in three London boroughs are to be merged in a bid to stop them closing down. One set of staff will run all 21 libraries in the three areas, and residents will be able to borrow books from any of them. The plans, being drawn up by Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Kensington and Chelsea councils, should save £1 million and prevent any libraries from closing down. Across London libraries are under threat as councils try to cut costs. In Lewisham there are plans to close five of the borough's 12 libraries, and across London 25 could be closed in the next 12 months. Councils involved in the library merger plan said it would save save money because people would no longer do "duplicate" jobs. Under the proposals, 10 people working in management will lose their jobs, and four new posts will be created - Evening Standard