Corporate Communications
Improvements To Hythe Library Go Ahead Thanks To Partnership Working
12/10/2012 12:00:00
Hythe Library is about to undergo a major refurbishment thanks to a collaboration between Hampshire County Council, Hythe and Dibden Parish Council and the Dibden Allotments Fund.
The library will be temporarily closed from 1.00pm Saturday 20 October 2012, and will re-open on Tuesday 15 January 2013 with additional weekly opening hours.
Earlier this year, it was proposed by the Library Service that Hythe library close on a Wednesday, to help make financial savings of 8% in 2012/13, as a result of reduced levels of Government funding.
In order to avoid this, the three organisations have made efforts to retain the libraries existing hours, and have provided funding of over £166,000 to further extend its opening hours. By installing self-service units, customers will be able to borrow and return books themselves, in turn freeing up the time of staff and enabling them to answer enquiries, maintain stock and provide fun and engaging activities for children.
Work will also include an interior makeover, to provide a fresh and rejuvenated feel for the building, an accessible public toilet will be installed and a new community room will be built for learning and leisure activities within the library.
While the library is closed to the public, Hampshire County Council is reminding customers that they will continue to have access to all other local libraries across Hampshire; the nearest being Blackfield Library, which will be temporarily extending its hours so that customers will be able to choose and return items, and collect requested books.
Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Keith Chapman, said:
“Self-service facilities are in place in a number of other libraries and Discovery Centres around Hampshire. In addition to being quick and easy-to-use, they help to free up front line staff and contribute towards the important savings that are needed to help keep Hampshire libraries open.
“I am pleased that on this occasion by working together, we have been able to find a sustainable solution that means local people in Hythe can continue to use the library throughout the week, and enjoy enhanced facilities in future.”
Following the refurbishment Hythe Library will be open half an hour earlier every day at 9.00am and will also remain open all day on a Wednesday, increasing its weekly opening time by seven hours.
The library will re-open at 9.00am on Tuesday 15 January 2012.
For more information visit – www3.hants.gov.uk/library/hythe-library.htm
From Monday 29 October 2012 until Monday 31 December 2012 Blackfield Library will be temporarily extending its opening hours to: -
Monday 10:00 ~ 17:00
Tuesday 10:00 ~ 17:00
Wednesday 10:00 ~ 13:00
Thursday 10:00 ~ 17:00
Friday 10:00 ~ 17:00
Saturday 09:30 ~ 13:00
For media inquiries please contact Anya Fisher, Press Officer Tel: 01962 846006 email: Anya.Fisher@hants.gov.uk
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