Eight libraries to close in Hampshire
It's been confirmed eight libraries across Hampshire will close.
The proposal is to close eight libraries and to reduce the opening hours of all the remaining libraries by 20%.
It is part of Hampshire County Council's plan to save around £1.76m from the library budget.
A final decision was made following a meeting by the County Council today (28/07) which saw councillors speaking for and against the proposal.
In a public consultation, people were asked whether they would rather see the opening hours of all Hampshire libraries reduced by 25%, or close up to 10 libraries and reduce opening hours of all remaining libraries by an average of 15%.
Of the more than 21,000 people that responded, 58% preferred the option of a greater reduction in opening hours for all libraries over individual branch closures.
In response to public feedback on having fewer library closures, it has been proposed that the libraries in Chineham and Emsworth should stay open.
The libraries that will close are as follows:
Blackfield
Elson
Fair Oak
Horndean
Lee-on-the-Solent
Lyndhurst
Odiham
South Ham
The council says that these libraries combined account for less than 5% of issues and 5% of visits to all libraries in Hampshire.
Councillors met on Tuesday morning (28 July) at 10am and made their final decision.