COMMUNITY LIBRARIES PROGRAMME - LOTTERY GRANT

1. The Executive Member is delighted to report the offer of a grant of £1,254,804 from the Big Lottery Fund as a contribution towards the Community Libraries Programme, with specific reference to the project for learning, engagement and adult development. This grant, together with some £200,000 from the capital programme, will result in increased capacity to attract a wider cross-section of users into libraries and will create facilities for adult learning and community activities at five libraries, Havant, Waterlooville, Leigh Park, Hayling Island and Aldershot.

2. In order to comply with lottery criteria, the libraries selected were in areas of deprivation, where it will be possible to reshape libraries to make them more welcoming and improve heating, lighting, decoration and equipment. The learning, engagement and adult development project in these libraries will contribute to the corporate priority of maximising wellbeing by increasing access and providing additional facilities to make libraries more attractive to a wide range of users, especially those with disabilities or with low educational qualifications. The additional funding therefore provides welcome opportunities to improve some more of Hampshire's libraries together with the services and materials provided within them.

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