A major shake up of the borough’s libraries could be introduced as the council tries to claw back hundreds of thousands of pounds in savings.

Community-run and fewer but larger libraries are among the ideas Richmond Council is asking people to ponder as they launch a consultation into the service.

Library-users will also be asked if they are willing to offer their services for free, leading to fears the borough’s libraries could become largely run by volunteers in the future.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “All things are being looked at.

“It would be silly to say there might not be some reductions [in library staff].

“Like all boroughs Richmond is facing a challenging financial situation and this means that we have to look at how we can provide services in a different way that is better value for money.

”If people are interested in volunteering, this will help shape our ideas on how we can provide the service in the future.

“If people are willing this could be a very effective way of keeping libraries open.”

It was revealed in last week’s Richmond and Twickenham Times that the council is hoping Heathfield library will be kept open by volunteers and charities after the budget for the service was cut.

Coun Fleming said there were many opportunities for volunteer work at the borough’s 12 libraries, from restocking shelves and dealing with returned books to running events and promotions.

Richmond residents will also be asked which services, if any, they would be willing to pay for and if they would prefer to see fewer but larger and better stocked libraries.

Library-user Freddie Lubega, 30, from Hampton, said: “Volunteering is a nice idea but not if it means people will lose their jobs.

“I would be willing to pay charges of about 50p but any more and it isn’t worth it.”

Councillor Stephen Knight, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, claimed families would lose out if the decision was made to close any of the borough’s libraries and the council should not rely on the kindness of volunteers.

He said: “Heathfield library had 1,000 users and some branches have a lot more than that. Our libraries are heavily used by families with small children.

“We can’t run public services on volunteers alone.”

The consultation will be carried out at all libraries and is also available to complete online at richmon.gov.uk/libraries until November 26.