Steve Brine has welcomed some good news for Stanmore as a new library will open at The Carroll Centre, in Stanmore, on Monday 21st January.
It will be the first community library of its kind in the county, and will offer longer opening hours and a warm welcome for local people of all ages.
Cllr Ken Thornber, Leader of Conservative-run Hampshire County Council, will officially open the library with the help of some Stanmore children. The Centre is celebrating with a day of free, book-related family activities including story readings, poetry workshops, and historical 'make and take' sessions, which will provide a free distraction as Stanmore Primary School takes an INSET day.
Steve Brine said: "I know this new library has come about following discussions between Hampshire County Council, Conservative-run Winchester City Council and The Carroll Centre which were prompted by news just over a year ago that the old library in Wavell Way was due to close. This exciting project has also led to the refurbishment of parts of The Carroll Centre to make space for bookshelves, bean bags and self-issue machines."
Centre Manager, Jool Heller-Dixon, said: "The Carroll has been known for the quality of its provision for young people and children over the years, but we are always looking at developing new services and projects to suit the changing needs of local residents. I am delighted that we have been able to bring the library into our building, ensuring the future of the service but also – I hope – introducing a new audience to the joy of reading."
Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Keith Chapman, said: "This is a fantastic result for people in Stanmore as it means they keep a local library on their doorstep. By working alongside The Carroll Centre, local community, and Winchester City Council we have been able to find a solution that meets everyone's needs. Not only will the library stay open more hours each week – an increase from nine at the former library to now 25 hours at The Carroll Centre, but by moving it into an already thriving hub for community activity, more and more people can now use the services on offer, which go far beyond simply lending books."
Cllr Jamie Scott, one of the Conservative councillors representing Stanmore, was closely involved with the project throughout. He said: "I have lived in Stanmore all my life and love this neighbourhood. I am so pleased to have played a part in this project, and hope that others will now come forward as volunteers to help run the library to the benefit of everyone who lives in this area."
Pictured; Steve visited Stanmore Primary School back in November for a cheque presentation for the Magic Wand Appeal
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