THE battle has begun to save Torbay's Library which are under threat as Torbay Council seeks to find £11million in budget savings.

The local authority has told the library service across the Bay to make 10 per cent cuts to its £1.7million budget which would mean slashing about £170,000.

The cut could lead to the loss of up to six library jobs, reduced opening days and some fear even the loss of one of the Bay's four libraries.

Opponents say the cuts could lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of closures.

Torbay Council has confirmed it is currently consulting on the best way to 'meet the target reductions allocated to this service'.

A spokesman for the authority said: "This consultation will look at each service area including four static libraries and one mobile, to see the best option to reduce opening hours, levy additional payments for some services and increase current charges.

"The consultation looks at options for part day and full day closures at each library."

The Friends of Brixham Library say they believe now is the time to expand the services and make them pay rather than scale them down.

Jenny Harriman, chairman of the Friends of Brixham Library, said more should be done to generate money out of the existing facilities.

She said the space should be rented out to groups, exhibitions and conferences to help generate more cash.

Mrs Harriman said: "Any of these proposed options for cuts would be terrible.

"These libraries are very well used. In Brixham, older people come to use the facilities every day. There is a social element to it while younger people may come to look for a job and access the internet.

"We're looking at ways to keep the library used more and ways to generate revenue."

Among the ideas are increasing income by encouraging book donations from members of the public so they can be sold through the library, having paid-for display boards, hosting events and activities and linking up with other organisations or renting out the space.

Mrs Harriman said she had received dozens of emails from library users with ideas how to keep it open.

She said: "The message to Torbay Council is clear: Don't look at cuts, look at further development."

Mrs Harriman has been busy using the library's scanner to help save Brixham photographic heritage.

She is looking for volunteers to help digitise the 4,000 old postcards owned by Brixham resident David James, who almost lost his precious collection when his home was damaged by fire last year.

Pam Prior, secretary of the Friends of Paignton Library, said the work of libraries was not only to lend books and DVDs out but to provide a vast array of advice and information to disabled people, the elderly, the unemployed, families, permanent residents or tourists alike.

She said: "Reduction of funding will inevitably undermine this excellence at a time when we need services most.

"About Paignton Library and its mobile service, we are especially concerned Torbay Council may consider a reduction in opening hours as an 'easy' option. This will cause chaos.

"Reducing the number of library branches, or mobile service, or staffing levels any further will not ensure a sustainable service fit for the future of Torbay."

Jack Critchlow, acting chairman of the Friends of Torquay Library said: "We're working with all the other libraries as one. We will fight this all the way. Libraries are the cornerstone of civilisation. "

The council spokesman said: "We are asking people to consider additional charging and also we will take on board suggestions from the community on ways of raising income or reducing costs."

The Friends of Brixham Library will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, January 10, at 6pm at the library. The consultation questionnaire is available at www.torbay.gov.uk/index/get involved/consultation/opencon sultations/librarybudget