Two north Hampshire libraries to become independent services
Odiham and South Ham were axed by Hampshire County Council in budget cuts
Last updated 18th Jan 2021
The reopening of Odiham library as an independent community library is one step closer, as detailed discussions get underway between Hampshire County Council and Odiham Parish Council, which is set to take over the library from Hampshire Library Service this year. Discussions are also underway to secure an independent future for South Ham library.
Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage, Countryside and Rural Affairs, Councillor Edward Heron, said:
“I am very pleased that the community in Odiham, led by its Parish Council, has responded to the County Council’s call for volunteers to take over the running of their local library. With their support and passion, Odiham library will be able to transition from being a Council-run library to an independent community library and continue providing a valued service to local people. I wish them the greatest success as their plans move forward.”
Chair of Odiham Parish Council, Dr Angela MacFarlane, said:
“A working group with members from our local schools and societies has been active in shaping the plans for a volunteer-run community book exchange in Odiham. We believe this can offer free access to high quality books for residents, with a particular emphasis on the young and those who find travel to other libraries a challenge. Reading is a vital life skill. Access to books has never been more important to our wellbeing. We hope to open the book exchange as soon as possible.”
Councillor Heron added: “I’m pleased to say we’re also in discussions with a community group about the possibility of an independent community library in South Ham. While these discussions are at an earlier stage, and I am not able to share the details yet, I am expecting to support a transition to an independent community library there too, later in the year.”
Budget cuts
Both Odiham and South Ham were listed for closure as part of Hampshire library service's cost savings of £1.76 million. Odiham has been awarded £10,000 to help with the transition to become an independent library.
The County Council-run Odiham and South Ham Libraries are now closed.
Returning books
Residents who have items borrowed from Odiham Library are asked to keep these safe and return them to any one of the County Council’s libraries once Government COVID-19 guidance permits non-essential travel to other areas. The three closest branches are at Alton, Fleet and Chineham. Late fees will not be incurred for this.
Residents can still return items borrowed from South Ham Library by using the book return box that will be outside the building until 13 February 2021.
All Hampshire Library late fees are currently frozen.
The Odiham and South Ham independent community libraries are expected to open in the spring and summer, respectively, and will publish their opening dates when they become available.
For further updates about the Odiham independent community library, visit www.odiham.org.uk or follow @odihamparishcouncil on Facebook.