Plans to slash public library opening hours in the north west by 20% have provoked widespread anger.

Local people have now been urged to voice their opposition towards plans to reduce opening hours across libraries in the Derry, Limavady and Strabane areas.

The worst-hit facility in the region will be Creggan Library, where there are plans to cut opening hours from 30.5 to 18.

Libraries NI has blamed tighter budgets on the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The board claimed it has to make savings of £10.3m by 2015, with public consultation on the proposals due to close on November 14. Overall the number of hours that libraries will be open will fall from 402.25 to 314.5 hours.

Paul Hughes, peer support worker with Enagh Youth Forum in Strathfoyle, said that there was anger among people of all ages.

“We are really mad about it — rural libraries need more resources, not less,” he said.

“Our library here offers citizens advice, welfare rights for Polish people and it is great for cross-community groups.

“With all this the library is a lot more than people taking books out. How can they justify cutting hours based on book figures when half the people going there are going there for the other services it provides to the community?”

Mr Hughes urged locals to come to the library from 2pm today to become members, borrow a book and fill out consultation forms.

UUP Strabane District councillor for the Castlederg area, Derek Hussey, urged everyone to similarly register their views. “It is vital that people respond to the consultation and express their concern about the curtailment of this extremely valuable community resource.”

Irene Knox, chief executive of Libraries NI, said it did not underestimate the impact the proposals will have on communities.

“We are encouraging people to have their say regarding these proposals,” she said.

“It is important that communities take this opportunity to support their local library and the vital services that they provide.”

The changes are expected to be implemented by March 2012.

Background

How your library will be affected:

Library: Total hours open now Proposed hours

Derry Central 63.75 — 57

Limavady 56.5 — 40

Strabane 52 — 40

Waterside 56.5 — 40

Dungiven 25.5 — 25.5

(no change)

Creggan 30.5 — 18

Castlederg 29.5 — 18

Newtonstewart 23 — 18

Strathfoyle 26.25 — 18

Shantallow 38.75 — 40

(representing a rise)