Residents in Neath Port Talbot are being urged to have their say over proposals to close four libraries in the county.

The libraries in Baglan, Cwmafan, Glynneath and Skewen are under threat due to “low numbers” borrowing books and other items such as audio books and films.

The local authority hopes community groups will take on responsibility for running them under asset transfers but has warned closure is a possibility.

The council’s draft budget proposals involve cuts to the library service of £235,000 over the next three years.

But at a recent council meeting councillors urged decision-makers to see the “whole picture” and not only look at the number of books being borrowed.

Glynneath ward councillor Del Morgan said: “The library is not only about book-lending but increasingly has a very wide spectrum of activities.

“Two local primary schools are within walking distance of the library and they do use it regularly.

“In terms of Glynneath the next nearest library is 11 miles away, as opposed to the distances of some of the others.”

Bryn and Cwmavon ward councillor Charlotte Galsworthy added: “When you talk about library services it’s a hell of a lot more than just IT and books.

“There’s a lot of people in our community that are now getting stressed that where they go to see their friends is going to close – 150 people attended a recent coffee morning.”

Bryn and Cwmavon Councillor David Whitelock suggested cuts be made to the bigger libraries such as those in Neath and Port Talbot in order to save the small village libraries.

He said: “Our library is used as a hub – it’s not just about the number of books taken out but how many people go in there and what it’s used for. It’s about social inclusion.

“If you tried to book a room in the library you’d have to wait six months.

“I’ve been pushing the budget consultation in Cwmavon and I hope people are filling them in and sending them back – if they’re only putting comments on Facebook it means nothing in the big scheme of things.”

Education director Aled Evans said: “We are looking at undertaking a review of all library services to rationalise them and consider alternative delivery models. For example, are there ways people can access services in a different way?

“This is about consultation and understanding what activities are facilitated in libraries.

“I’m possibly a bit old-fashioned in thinking libraries and books do go hand in hand. Obviously there’s a breadth of other activities.

“We have brought forward a range of proposals around savings for next year.

“Each and every one has a level of stress and anxiety both in communities and for members of staff.

“Unfortunately that’s part and parcel of the lives we lead in local government at the moment.”

Glynneath ward councillor Simon Knoyle said figures on book-lending which were being used by officers on library usage were out of date.

Officers said that before any decisions were made a more detailed report would come before councillors with up to date information.

In an effort to save money the council is planning to cut back on one of its two mobile libraries as vehicle leases expire.

It is also looking to relocate Port Talbot Library out of the Aberafan Shopping Centre due to the “high annual rental and service charges which are increasing year on year”.

Officers said the lease, which is around £40,000 a year, expires in 2023.

The county’s library service costs £1.7m to run but, with an income of just £90,000, the deficit for 2018-19 is £1.6m.

The majority of the expenditure goes on staffing which costs just over £1m The service employs 54 people.

The budget consultation ends on January 11, 2019.

More information on the proposals and an online questionnaire can be found at npt.gov.uk .

Alternatively there are feedback boxes at civic buildings, community centres and libraries across the county where paper versions of the feedback form can be posted.

Councillors discussed the draft budget proposals at a special education skills and culture scrutiny committee meeting on Friday, November 30.