Book-lovers in Barking and Dagenham are being asked to help decide the future of libraries in the borough through a series of consultation meetings.

The first of these meetings have been arranged at four libraries and the council said it was “asking residents to come forward and give their views and opinions on their local library to help shape the future direction for the service.”

Dates for the meetings are as follows:

- Robert Jeyes Library, Tuesday, November 27 at 6.30pm

- Marks Gate Library, Monday, December 3 at 7.00pm

- Valence Library, Thursday, December 6 at 6.30pm

- Thames View Library, Wednesday, December 12 at 6.30pm

Council leader Cllr Liam Smith said: “I would like to encourage anyone who uses these libraries to come along and give their views.”

He added: “In these tough times it is important for the council to make sure that all of its services run efficiently, and it’s vitally important to do this with the people who use the service.”

Visit lbbd.gov.uk/libraries for more information.