Plans to transfer the running of Hertfordshire libraries to a public service mutual have been delayed for the “foreseeable future” – because of the ‘exceptional circumstances’ generated by Covid-19.

A new group, Libraries for Life, had been due to take over the running of the county’s libraries on April 1 – after initial plans for a December 1 transfer were delayed.

It has been estimated that the planned transfer to Libraries for Life – which has charitable status – could cut the cost of the library service by an estimated £500,000 a year.

But now it has emerged that the plans to transfer the service have been put on hold indefinitely, as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

A report to the first meeting of the county council’s special cabinet panel on Friday, stated: “The decision was made to delay the transfer of the library service to Libraries for Life the foreseeable future.

“It was agreed that the exceptional circumstances generated by Covid-19 would place significant pressure on this new organisation and as such, the transfer was deemed to be inappropriate at this time.

“The transfer will remain delayed until the process can be completed in the best way possible.”

The decision comes as all library sites across the county remain closed, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

However the service does continue to run an online service, with the ‘Borrow Box’ app providing residents with the chance to download e-books and audio books.

According to the report for the cabinet panel, in the week beginning March 30 usage of the Borrow Box app increased by 332 per cent.