Connect@Botley

About Connect

Botley’s new “Connect” centre opened on Saturday 22 September

Connect@botley, is based in the newly built All Saints’ Church Extension which was built from funds raised by the Church Council and the Friends of All Saints. Eastleigh Borough Council donated £3,000 to help with setting up the Centre which will be run by volunteers from the Church Council.

Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and the Parochial Church Council of All Saints’ Church, Botley have worked together to create a community library with public IT facility. The Connect Centre has been built in response to local community needs to have access to a cultural centre closer to home. The centre will house over 600 books, five computers, with free internet access, and a museum space.

The book stock is provided by Hampshire Library Information Service and will be loaned out on an honesty system. Stock includes novels, local history and children’s books as well as material in minority languages such as Polish, Bengali and Chinese. Puzzles are also available to loan.

The Museum Space, run by Hampshire County Council Museums Service will provide displays of artefacts and supporting material which will be inspired by the local community and be changed every three months.

Opening hours

Connect is available during regular Church opening - generally from 9am. until 5pm or dusk.
Facilities may be closed during some Church services - this will be advertised as much as possible in advance

One quick access computer is available downstairs and four additional computers will be available in the upstairs meeting room at the following times:
Tuesday 9.30am- 11.30am
Thursday 2pm-4pm and 6pm-7.30pm
Saturday 9.30am-11.30am

Museums and Archives Corner Store

Botley Museums and Archives Corner Store is an exciting outreach display containing local maps, photographs, reproduction archival material, archaeology, social history and many important objects which capture the character and history of Botley.

With links to Hampshire Records, Eastleigh Museum, Hampshire Museums Service and the Library Service you can find out how to find out more about your home, your ancestors, your old school or your local community.

There is always something new to see with a regularly changing programme of special exhibitions

• Eastleigh Borough Council

• Botley local site

• All Saints, Botley