Local MP Alan Mak has opened the newly relocated library for Emsworth at the Emsworth Community Centre after leading a successful campaign to keep it open.
The library has moved from its original site in the town centre to the Emsworth Community Centre on North Street after Hampshire County Council said it was due to close. Following a successful campaign by Mr Mak, the decision was made to move the library into the Community Centre. This enables the facility to retain its town centre location, as well as Hampshire County Council Services such as a full-time librarian.
In addition to these services being kept, the new space features a dedicated room for a new, larger children’s library, free Wi-Fi, remote printing, and a bookable public computer. The library also has a good selection of talking books and magazines, as well as stocking local newspapers.
Local MP Alan Mak said: “I’m delighted that the Emsworth Library has stayed open and moved to the Community Centre, where it is now well positioned to be used by more residents more than ever. I have been working hard to make sure this was possible after Hampshire County Council said the old library had to close, so I’m very pleased to see the County Council’s services retained here, along with new and modern facilities.”
Jill Millar of the Emsworth Residents Association said: “Thank you to Alan Mak for supporting the campaign to keep the library open, working with local councillors and the community. It’s fantastic to see the library open in a new building with a new children’s area- I’m looking forward to using it in the near future”.
The Emsworth Library can be accessed by residents for free at the Emsworth Community Centre. It is open from 9:30am to 5pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 9:30am to 1:30pm on Saturdays.
