NEW opening times for libraries across Hertfordshire come in to effect from today (Monday).

Hertfordshire County Council has cut the county’s opening times by 30 per cent, in a move expected to save �2m a year.

The new timetable includes all-day closures once a week for libraries in Hatfield, Knebworth, Brookmans Park, Welwyn and Woodhall, as well as Oakmere library in Potters Bar.

County councillor Chris Hayward, executive member for libraries, said the closures had been staggered to ensure that residents would still have access to library services, even when their local branch was shut.