The cabinet is planning to ensure people still have nearby access to a library, even if their own local branch is shutting down, Nos television reports.

The broadcaster says the government is planning to introduce legislation to ensure minimum library cover and to make local councils coordinate closures.

Many libraries have gone because of the local council cutbacks and the Netherlands has just 162 libraries left, Nos said. This is the equivalent of one library for every 100,000 people.