CONTROVERSIAL new opening hours for libraries in Clydebank have gone into force this week.

Clydebank Library – currently finishing a major overhaul - will see hours drop from 57 a week to 42.5 and Dalmuir lose half an hour a week down to 40 hours.

Duntocher, Parkhall and Faifley librairies will see their opening hours go from 25.5, 30 and 37 hours a week respectively, to just 17.5, 18.5 and 15.5.

The changes were approved earlier this year after two public consultations, with the SNP-led administration saying it would allow £421,000 investment across facilities. That included £5,000 for a new mobile bar at Clydebank Town Hall.

The cuts were brought in because council officers concluded the costs per visit were too high compared to other councils.

Council bosses said the new timetable introduced at all eight branches will provide 248 hours per week of library service in West Dunbartonshire.

It also protects key popular services such as Bookbug, Rhyme Time and employability sessions to continue.

As a result of the change, savings of £421,000 will be invested back in to branches. Members will see money spent on a range of areas including renovating children’s areas, improving book display areas, and creating more welcoming help desks and improved signage.

Councillor Ian Dickson, convener of corporate services, said: “The new timetable means branches are open at times when residents told us they most wanted to visit, and closed when they were quietest.

“There are still hundreds of hours of service being delivered, and the money being saved means we can significantly invest in our branches.

“This should help to increase satisfaction with existing users and attract new visitors.

“We also know residents value our libraries and have protected all eight branches and the events and activities which are enjoyed every week.”

Councillor Iain McLaren, vice convener of corporate services, said: “The money saved by introducing the new opening hours will be reinvested back in our branches to make them even more attractive places to visit.

“The library has long been just a place to borrow books. Being a member of your local library now offers you and your family the opportunity to participate in a range of both fun and educational courses and opens a new world of entertainment for all the family.

“In addition our library service also offers the ability to access books and magazines 24 hours a day online and I’d encourage all residents with computers, devices and smartphones to take up this opportunity.”

The timetable can be viewed online at west-dunbarton.gov.uk/media/4314881/new-library-timetable.pdf.