BUDGET cuts could lead to Hertfordshire County Council nearly halving the opening hours of Oakmere Library in Potters Bar.

The proposals, which will be discussed on Wednesday by the community safety and culture cabinet panel, come as County Hall expects the coalition Government to chop 20 per cent of its budget in the comprehensive spending review.

Oakmere Library, in the high street, faces losing 28 hours a week, with a whole-day closure on Thursdays.

One library user, Paulina Opoku-Gyimah, 38, of Forbes Avenue, said: “I think its really inconvenient. It gets really busy and we already have to fight over the computers.

“It's small, but even though, it's really well used. I think it's ridiculous.

“The staff are really lovely, it's a shame for them because it's going to impact them the most.”

Library staff were not able to comment on the plans.

Ms Opoku-Gyimah uses the library to write a blog called Ghana Rising, which focuses on the people, culture and influences of the African nation.

Hertfordshire Liberal Democrats are trying to highlight people like Ms Opoku-Gyimah in their campaign I Love My Herts Library, which aims to save library services from potentially harmful cuts.

Councillor Chris White, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Libraries are vital parts of our communities.

“They are not just places where people can borrow books. They are safe places to meet – and important places in which to study, for both young and old.”

A report produced for Wednesday's meeting warns councillors there is a “dilemma because 90 per cent of the workforce is frontline, and therefore any significant saving will affect the number of libraries and, or, the number of opening hours”.

However, the report, which suggests a 30 per cent reduction in opening times across Hertfordshire could save up to £1.4 million, adds: “It may be possible to restore opening hours if the national economic climate, and therefore funding, improves in future.”

Speaking at a full council meeting last Tuesday, Conservative council leader Robert Gordon said: “Our first requirement is not to shut any libraries.

“We are committed to libraries and are proposing to reduce opening hours to ensure none will be forced to close permanently.”