The three libraries are located in small market towns

Powys Council said it would fund the �39,000 shortfall in its library budget from its reserves.

The local authority's board had voted to close Llanfair Caereinion, Llanwrtyd Wells and Talgarth libraries to keep a mobile children's service open.

A protest has been held outside council headquarters and a 600-name petition collected in opposition.

The full council voted on Thursday to defer its decision about the libraries "whilst the council considers its response to budget pressures for 2007/8 and beyond".

Councillors also voted not to close the libraries until a council research team had had an opportunity to carry out an access to public services review.

Councillor William Powell, who represents Talgarth, said: "Talgarth library is vital.

"It is a place where people of all ages come together and although the opening hours are restricted all three libraries are very well used."

Mr Powell said that funding for the mobile children's service was safe.

The closure proposal had met opposition from all three towns.

A small protest was held outside a council meeting in Llandrindod Wells in August and "save our library" signs were posted on street corners in Llanfair Caereinion.

An action group formed to fight the closures also held a demonstration in Talgarth.