A PUBLIC consultation on the future of Hampshire libraries is to be launched this week.

County bosses have confirmed details on the future of libraries across Hampshire will be released on Thursday, January 9 when a ten-week consultation will be launched.

It comes after county councillor Peter Chegwyn claimed 37 of the 52 libraries in Hampshire could be axed.

While the county council initially said it “would not be appropriate to speculate”, now the authority has insisted it is not and never has been considering closing 37 libraries.

Further clarity on what has been called an emerging vision for Hampshire libraries to 2025 will be revealed as part of the consultation.

The proposals come as the authority aims to save £1.75 million from the library sector by 2021 in a move that would put 58 jobs at risk.

Councillor Sean Woodward, executive member for recreation and heritage, said this represents 16 per cent of the overall budget for the service but still means that a budget of around £10 million would remain.

He added: “The consultation, which we will be publicising to Hampshire residents and stakeholders, will reveal the emerging vision for Hampshire libraries to 2025 which has been discussed with a number of different professional bodies.

“This will be used alongside implementing efficiency measures, and a drive to maximise income through events and room hire.

“We will also be seeking residents’ and library staff views on different ways of providing library services, with options including reductions in opening hours, and the possibility of a small number of library closures or relocations. I want to be clear that we’re absolutely committed to ensuring that Hampshire residents have access to high quality library services.

“Hampshire County Council is not and never has been considering closing 37 of our libraries, and regrets that such potentially alarming information has been put into the public domain as it is likely to unnecessarily worry library customers.”

The consultation form will be available online and in libraries from midday on January 9.

CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, said councils “must not pretend” that handing libraries to local volunteers “will deliver anything like the same quality or consistency of services” as proper funding does.

By Maria Zaccaro (LDRS)