AN extra £250,000 is to be spent on new library books in Somerset.

The county council, which had to back down from a library closure programme earlier this year after a High Court challenge, pledged the money this week.

It is also considering setting up a series of ‘community hubs’ where libraries share space with other public services.

The council’s libraries chief, Cllr David Hall, said: “I believe the strategy will save money and create a library service fit for the future.

“The service is important, and I fully support the proposal to invest an extra £250,000 into the book fund.”