THE library service which serves 98 schools in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent is likely to be scrapped from December this year.

It has been operated by Caerphilly council at annual cost of £261,596 since 1997, but the local authority's cabinet members will be recommended to approve stopping it at its meeting today.

The provision serves all primary and secondary schools in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent, providing curriculum and recreational reading resources, with 195,000 items in total.

It has a central library point which allows teachers and school staff to borrow items, delivery and collection through a dedicated van, plus author, storyteller and illustrator events in schools.

The local authority funds the £261,596 schools library service, with £76,000 coming from Blaenau Gwent.

But draft budget proposals suggest cutting school library services by £150,000, with a more cost effective and efficient delivery form needed.

In a report written by assistant director for community and leisure, Peter Gomer, cabinet members will be asked to rubber stamp proposals to cease the library service at the end of this December.

This would see all school library stock transferred to sites in Risca and Bargoed, with schools booking and collecting material.

Discussions would also continue with Blaenau Gwent council with a view to withdrawing the service from December.