A UNIVERSITY scholar who thanks Chineham Library as being a source of inspiration for his academic studies said he has been left horrified at the threat of library closures.
As previously reported in the Gazette, Hampshire County Council (HCC) is proposing to shut three libraries in the wider Basingstoke area.
But since the announcement last month, the community has rallied round to campaign against the plans.
This week, the Gazette has spoken to 25 year-old student, George Severs, who is currently studying at the University of Cambridge.
Growing up in Lychpit, George said he was shocked and saddened to hear the news that three beloved libraries were at risk of closure after using them so much throughout his life.
He said: “It is a sad indictment of HCC’s priorities that library services, which benefit the whole community but especially many of the most vulnerable, are threatened in the name of further cost-cutting measures.
“I remember I used to borrowed books from Chineham Library with my brother every school holiday, I wrote undergraduate essays and applied to do my Masters and PhD from a desk in Chineham Library.”
Whilst studying at various universities, like many other students George found that visiting the library was a productive way for him to remove himself from home distractions and focus on his studies.
“I personally find it really hard to work at home, I need that space to separate work life from personal life as do many people.
“It helps me to keep a healthy mental headspace and allows me to be the most productive I can be.”
“I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the use of the libraries,” he said “they have been an oasis for so many people as a home for creation of learning and knowledge, I just can’t imagine a world where we wouldn’t have them.”
Documents have revealed that more than 300 people work full time in libraries in Hampshire, loved and valued by people across the county.
He added: “Chineham is such a unique positive community space to work in which is so rare these days. There aren’t many free spaces for people to escape to nowadays, it really shows how valued these community hotspots are.
“There is such a diverse array of people in the library and it’s really lovely to hear the staff helping the children and tending to vulnerable adults who possibly won’t have interaction with another person until the following day.”
Hampshire County Council has previously told the Gazette that one of their main reasons for closing these libraries is to save £1.76 million from the library service by 2021.
This week Cllr Sean Woodward, who will be making the final decision in April, appeared on ITV Meridan News where he would not be drawn on whether he would close all ten libraries.
George said: “It is completely incongruous to suggest that the money could be better spent elsewhere.This is an obvious ploy of Conservative cuts and rather than solve the issue at hand they are cutting them off and feeding it to the slaughter.”
Cllr Sean Woodward, executive member for recreation and heritage at the county council responded that the authority is “absolutely committed to providing a high-quality library service.”
However Karen Burniston, from South Ham believes they really will be a huge dent in their lives.”
She said: “It makes absolutely no sense, there is just no logic to it. There must be a world in which you can find extra funding as well as keeping libraries accessible to all.”
Pilates instructor, Salli Silke added that despite renting a library room out for her classes, she has noticed her class members have taken up reading again, adding “when it’s free it’s hard to say no.”
Hampshire County Council said so far 11,000 people have responded to its online consultation.
It offers residents two possible options to consider, option one would be to close up to 10 libraries and reduce the remaining libraries opening hours by 15 per cent.
Option two would see all 48 council-run libraries remain open but reduce all opening hours by 25 per cent.
George added: “Libraries are vital community resources and must be protected. If our representatives fail to make a stand to save Chineham, South Ham and Odiham libraries then we must do so ourselves.”
The budding academic hopes to continue his academia by furthering his education in academic research positions in alongside a lectureship in October.
With just 41 days left until the consultation closes, councillors are encouraging residents to voice their opinions while they still can, adding that “no decision will be made until all responses have been fully analysed.”
To fill out the consultation and to have your say, visit: bit.ly/2OrTgeg.
What do you think? Email newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk
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