POWYS council wants to hear the public’s view on 11 of its smallest libraries - and warned some could close.

The council’s library service must find a quarter of a million pounds by April 2019 towards the authority’s overall £27m savings target.

The current proposal is that the six main libraries - Ystradgynlais, Brecon, Llandrindod, Machynlleth, Newtown and Welshpool – and the two mobile library services for North and South Powys form the cornerstone of the service.

The council says it wants to hear from library users, residents, businesses and voluntary groups on how it can save 50% of the local running costs and continue to deliver services in the 11 towns that have branch libraries – Builth Wells, Crickhowell, Hay-on-Wye, Knighton, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin, Llanidloes, Llanwrtyd Wells, Presteigne, Rhayader and Talgarth.

However some branch libraries could close if the council is unable to find the required savings.

The council says meetings have already taken place with town and community councils and other organisations which could contribute towards library running costs or share a base with a library.

The council’s consultation is running from Friday, April 15 to Sunday, July 3 and people can complete an online or paper survey.

Councillor Graham Brown, the cabinet member for leisure and recreation said: "We know that our libraries are much loved and valued by Powys residents and we don’t want to see any branch close if we can avoid it. "However the reality is that we need to change the way we deliver a large chunk of our services including libraries. What we are seeking now are your ideas about the libraries of the future. What services should be on offer? "Where should they be housed and who else could help us to run them? We’re open to all ideas and our proposal is just that – a proposal."

The council is also holding drop in sessions at libraries during May and June.