SENIOR councillors who will decide the future of Oxfordshire libraries have completed a fact-finding mission to an innovative London borough.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Keith Mitchell and the cabinet member responsible for libraries, Judith Heathcoat, visited Hillingdon this week.

As reported in the Oxford Mail, the borough has refurbished more than half its branches, boosted visitor numbers and driven costs down.

Hillingdon’s innovative methods, including serving Starbucks coffee in libraries, were highlighted by Oxfordshire Liberal Democrat councillor John Goddard who instigated the trip.

The Conservative-controlled council plans to cut £2m from its library budget over the next four years.

Last week, Mr Mitchell backtracked from an initial proposal to close 20 libraries but could not guarantee closures would be avoided.

Following the Hillingdon visit, Mrs Heathcoat remained tight-lipped on whether the Hillingdon model might be used in Oxfordshire.

“I am exploring all avenues at the moment. We used it as a fact-finding visit,” she said.

“We are not making any decision because of the public consultation still to come.”

Hillingdon took advice from major book retailers, had individual libraries buy direct from wholesalers (saving £300,000) and struck a deal with Starbucks.

Staff have been streamlined and some libraries in the Conservative-controlled borough have been redeveloped to include affordable housing on the upper floors, sold to boost council income.

Mr Goddard, who first visited Hillingdon’s libraries earlier this year, said the ideas could halt some Oxfordshire library closures. He added: “These things are not peculiar to Hillingdon. They are simply the application of good business practice and a ruthless quest for value for money.”

He added: “These lessons are transferable to Oxfordshire. They would save money and make it unnecessary to cease funding 20 libraries, although we may not be able to keep them all open. Now it is up to the Conservatives.”

A public consultation on the library service is set to be launched next month.