Shoalhaven City Council will investigate the possibility of opening school libraries to the wider community.

At a council meeting on Tuesday, Cr Bob Proudfoot, also a Vincentia High teacher, suggested a trial at his school.

“If taxpayers are funding these centres, they should be open to the community,” Cr Andrew Guile said.

“We could leverage these resources that are often underutilised.”

Councillors discussed a vetting process, to ensure libraries are maintained as safe spaces for kids.