Archived decisions

RURAL DISCOVERY CENTRES

The Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage considered a report on the introduction of Rural Discovery Centres in Hampshire. Rural disadvantage had previously been identified in a Community Action Hampshire report commissioned in 1998 as being `limited to access' and `additional costs associated with essential services and facilities', with disabled persons and carers; young people and children; elderly persons and lone parents, most likely to be affected. Several parishes were identified as being within those categories. The Library and Information Service, which provides services at 54 static libraries and 19 mobiles, proposed extending its service to those living in the rural areas by creating `Discovery Pods' or `Library Hubs' at other non-library sites, such as community centres, village halls, surgeries or medical centres, public sector buildings or other suitable venues. The main elements of the service would include the collection of books, access to the internet and information databases, assistance with enquiries, and the `hub' or pod' providing a location for other advice workers. The benefits to the public would be more accessible library services available to a wider range of people, public services brought nearer to those living in remote areas, and enable community centres and village halls to improve their profile and use. The Executive Member supported further investigation of the provision of such centres.

MARGARET SNAITH

Executive Member

for Recreation and Heritage