New Library & Cultural Centre - TrustNews Mar 06
Hampshire County Council in partnership with Winchester City Council is developing the existing lending library site at the Corn Exchange building in Jewry Street into a "cultural centre" to include a new lending and reference library, a small art gallery, a museum, coffee shop and meeting rooms. The expected cost of the development is £7.25 million.
The architectural plans for the new centre and library have been widely welcomed as has been the objective to widen public access to both the library and other facilities. However,there has been considerable local concern about the level of book stocks and study facilities in the new library. This concern has been heightened by more than a 20% reduction in the number of books in the lending library over the past five years, and no indication that stock levels will be re-instated in the new library.
If you have views on the new library and its book stocks, please write to Cllr Ken Thornber CBE, the Leader of Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UJ (ken.thornber@hants.gov.uk )and also to your local county and city councillors.