Beaminster library has fresh hopes of survival after talks to save more of the threatened facilities.

Dorset County Council originally proposed to withdraw funding from 20 of its 34 libraries to save £800,000.

Its community overview community committee met to consider four options – including an option B to grant a reprieve to 10 libraries.

Members agreed that all four options should be presented to the cabinet, with option B indicated as the preferred choice of officers.

If option B is adopted it would mean Beaminster and Lyme Regis libraries being saved but Charmouth and Burton Bradstock would offered to the community to run.

Now the final decision goes to the council’s cabinet on July 6 and the full council on July 21.

Beaminster Coun Rebecca Knox, who has helped pull together the Beaminster Library Action Group, said after the meeting: “It is brilliant news for Beaminster.

“I am hugely delighted that the work of the Beaminster Library Action Group has put us in the 24.”

The options included keeping all libraries open, withdrawing funding from 20, withdrawing funding from 10 and keeping all open but reducing hours.

Coun Karl Wallace, who represents Bridport on the county council, said that third world countries were increasing the number libraries because they saw how knowledge got create better future for their children.

He also suggested that money from children services could also help boost the libraries.

He added after the meeting that keeping libraries open was crucial.

He said that because of severe dyslexia he only learned to read and write properly at the age of 27.

“Libraries are not just about borrowing books. They help motivate and develop young people for the future.

“It is a retrograde step to close them.

“They are essential for learning.”

Volunteers at Burton Bradstock have already indicated they intend to keep the library open. Bridport library is not under threat of closure.

Members of Bridport Library’s Reading Group also backed moves to retain all 34 libraries.

Campaigners demonstrated on steps of County Hall before the meeting.

Following the meeting the Association of Friends of Dorset Libraries spokesman Tim Lee said he was disappointed with the decision of the councillors.