Town's library starts a new chapter with £87,000 relaunch

THE new-look New Milton library will reopen to the public today (Monday) after an £87,000 refurbishment by Hampshire County Council.

A full redecoration, updated facilities, and additional spaces which can be hired out complete the revamp of the library on Gore Road.

HCC's cabinet member for recreation and heritage, Cllr Seán Woodward, said: “New Milton Library is the latest Hampshire Library where we have focused on making changes which make it easier for customers to access a range of modern facilities, technology and books."

Visitors of all ages will have a dedicated space to meet for learning, literacy and social activities thanks to a new community room, and the children’s library has been relocated to the ground floor so parents and families with buggies or wheelchairs can easily browse the shelves.

Popular adult fiction will also be displayed on the ground floor for quick and easy access, along with adult non-fiction sections.

Cllr Woodward added: “Customers are encouraged to come along and take advantage of these improvements, all while enjoying the free, in-branch facilities including WiFi connectivity and baby and toddler sessions.”

Due to logistical reasons between the library service and the contractors, the restoration work was postponed and began later than planned as a result of the delays.

The New Milton library investment forms part of the library service’s strategy to 2020 and a commitment to reinvest £500,000 a year from the development fund into library buildings and technology.