North East Lincolnshire to lose six council libraries
More than half of North East Lincolnshire's libraries face closure as the council tries to cut £500,000 from a £3m budget.
The council cabinet has agreed to keep just four libraries in council control - Grimsby Central, Cleethorpes, Waltham and Immingham.
Deputy leader Mick Burnett said the authority was "working very hard" to find groups to run the remaining six.
The Labour-led council has said overall it needs to save £76m by 2017.
Mr Burnett said: "There's no other option but to reduce the library service budget. We are doing our utmost to maintain a really comprehensive library service.
"Of the four core libraries, we are extending the hours and we're working very hard with community groups and parish councils to pick up the rest."
The six libraries facing closure are:
- Grant Thorold
The council said it would provide an annual grant of about £5000 to groups taking over a library facility or service.
Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Beasant, whose ward includes Grant Thorold Library, said: "I'm very worried and some residents have told me they're outraged at the decision.
"We've got to make sure we engage with the people who are going to be potentially taking it over and make sure we get even better services than are already there."
A formal staff consultation is expected to take place in August and September, with the new library structure being put in place by December.