Community groups could be invited to take over the day-to-day running of smaller libraries in a proposal being considered by Surrey County Council. The plans reflect the changing ways residents use their libraries and would allow the council to focus resources on the busier ones as well as the hugely popular virtual library. Currently, around 20% of Surrey's library buildings are used by only 7% of all library-goers.

Warlingham Library is one of the list of 11 libraries being offered to the community to run under the proposal, following an assessment of various factors including use, cost and proximity to another library. If Cabinet members agree at a meeting on 1st February, a consultation on the proposals will take place during which community groups could express an interest in running the libraries, which also includes Bagshot, Bramley, Byfleet, Ewell Court, Lingfield, Molesey, New Haw, Stoneleigh, Tattenhams and Virginia Water.

Under the proposal, the council would continue to provide the library building, stock and other resources with community groups taking control of the day-to-day running, allowing them to make decisions and harness the power of localism. During the consultation the council also wants to hear ideas about how to improve the service at all Surrey's 52 libraries through different ways of working.

David Hodge, Deputy Leader of Surrey County Council, said: "The way people use libraries is changing so we need to refocus the libraries service to reflect this. It will mean we can focus on providing a first class service at our busier libraries and developing the increasingly popular virtual library.

"We want to provide a libraries services that everyone wants to use and that means being honest with ourselves about how it should be shaped.

"The proposals are about ensuring we have a cost-effective library service. We want to avoid any library closures but it will need the support of residents to succeed. Where local people are committed to keeping their library we will help them to do so.

Denise Saliagopoulos, Cabinet Member for Community Services: "This is a chance for Surrey to harness the power of localism. We already have nearly 600 volunteers offering to work in our libraries each year who are a vital part of the service and these plans would allow them and others like them to take control and make libraries a truly local community resource."

"We would consider supporting any community group that comes forward to help run a library and the council would continue to provide the building, stock, IT and specialist support."