Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, is urging residents to take part in Hampshire County Council’s Consultation on proposed changes to Hampshire's Library Service.
As well as responding to changing needs, the library service is looking to make savings of £1.76 million and has proposed two options.
The first option proposes to close 10 libraries across Hampshire including Elson and Lee on the Solent, which would massively impact the Gosport Constituency.
The second option proposes a reduction of opening hours across all council-run libraries in Hampshire. The degree of change will be dependent on consultation outcomes and could be achieved via a blanket reduction of hours across all libraries or a standardisation of hours.
Commenting, Caroline said:
“Libraries play a key role in our communities - improving education and skills, hosting community groups as well as reducing loneliness and social isolation.
I have responded to the consultation and written to the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage (Cllr Woodward) to express my opposition to the proposal to close two local libraries.
It is important that all residents with an interest in our local libraries take part in the consultation and make their views known.”
The consultation runs until 18 March 2020 and can be found at https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations/library-consultation.
There are public drop in events where local people can speak to the County Council staff leading the consultation, with local events taking place:
- Lee on Solent Library - 6 Feb - 2pm to 6pm.
- Elson Library - 11 Feb - 2pm to 6pm
- Gosport Discovery Centre - 12 Feb - 9.30am to 2pm
