HALF of all libraries in Northern Ireland will have reduced opening hours as the impact of government cuts loom, a public service union has claimed. Libraries NI have completed a public consultation on opening hours across all libraries, undertaken as a result of the budget cuts imposed from April. Paddy Mackle, NIPSA assistant secretary said he believed the service could not withstand further cuts and feared many could close. "What is clear is that the service cannot take any further reductions in funding, otherwise libraries will be forced to close," he said. "If this was to happen it would be devastating, particularly, but not exclusively, in areas of multiple deprivation and in rural communities. NIPSA will continue to fight for all libraries to remain open and our members' jobs protected. "Whilst the cuts in Libraries NI budget is less than in other areas of the public services there has been an impact on 50 per cent of the local libraries who will have reduced opening hours. "Libraries continue to be held in high regard by the general public, which is reflected by the fact that almost 4,000 citizens and users responded. "It is important that all libraries remain open and remain sustainable and it is important therefore that the whole community continues to support greater usage of the individual and community services which Libraries NI provides. "We would encourage all NIPSA members, their families and friends to become members and strengthen the bond between the local library branch and the local community."