Two options have been put forward for the future of Cornwall's libraries and one stop shops, including selling them off to a private company or a merger to create a regional service.

The council is asking for views on how Cornwall’s library and one stop shop services are delivered in the future with a "consultation" on two models for their future.

However the authority says that after discussion and comment the final design could be one or more of the models or something else entirely.

The two models are:

• Transfer or ‘devolve’ the operation of individual libraries/one stop shops to other interested parties e.g. to a town or parish council or community organisation. This is already underway in Falmouth.

This model also include options for alternative service delivery including community owned or managed services, and the involvement of volunteers.

• A ‘whole service’ model to transfer the operation of libraries/one stop shops to a trust, commercial organisation, or social enterprise or introduce further modern technology across the service. This model could also include options for a regional service with other councils.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities Geoff Brown said: “We want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible, including those who use libraries and one stop shops, town and parish councils, community groups and stakeholders.

"We are keen to hear from parties potentially interested in becoming involved in the running of the services. We also want to hear any ideas for running a cost effective and efficient service outside of the two suggested options.

"What we have to do is save money but at the same time use this as an opportunity to try and improve how we deliver these services in our communities.”

Cornwall Council says it has to make substantial budget savings of £196 million over the next four years with savings of £1.8m having to come from the existing £4m library and one stop shop service budget.

The Council has already made changes to how these services are delivered including amalgamating some one stop shops into libraries and introducing self-service kiosks.

Geoff adds: “The Council has a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient service that is accessible to all who wish to use it and has also committed not to reduce the number of branch libraries in Cornwall.

"In order to achieve the savings, we need to review how the service is delivered in the future. We want to work with communities, voluntary sector, town and parish councils, and other organisations to find the best solutions - as a whole service or for individual library branches.”

The library and one stop shop review consultation will close on June 10.

Full details are on the Cornwall Council website – www.cornwall.gov.uk/librarysurvey

Give your views: • In person by attending a drop in session at one of our libraries • Using the online questionnaire • Downloading and completing a printed copy of the questionnaire • Request a printed copy of the questionnaire in person: from one of our libraries or one stop shops, by phone: 0300 1234 111 or by email: libraries@cornwall.gov.uk • By contacting your local Cornwall Councillor • By email to: libraries@cornwall.gov.uk • In writing to: Library and one stop shop review, Truro Library, Union Place, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1EP