Wokingham councillors have backed plans to outsource the authority's 11 libraries to a private firm in a move it believes would save £170,000 a year.

The council said it has to save money and paying companies to run its sites could save them from being closed.

Councillors agreed to invite firms to bid for five-year contracts starting from May 2012.

It is hoped private investment would also improve services, including IT provision, and boost visitor numbers.