Library bosses say new "discovery centres" are the future

Charity Libri has claimed that the country's libraries could be out of use by 2020 if the current decline in user numbers continues.

It based its report on national sources and Hampshire's library services.

The county's library chiefs say they are trying to reinvigorate the service with modern youth-friendly centres.

Change will need be a gradual and ongoing process, but one thing is clear - no change is not an option Councillor John Waddington

The discovery centre concept has been earmarked by the county council for 10 towns and cities - including Winchester, Gosport and Havant.

They will be more "young people-friendly" and will include art galleries, free internet access, cafes and cr�ches.

The authority came up with the scheme back in 2002 in an attempt to offer more modern and welcoming surroundings in libraries - something the report's author, Tim Coates, has also called for.

A council spokeswoman maintained they were going a step further.

She said: "Although the county council supports the report's view that an extensive range of books, reference materials and IT resources should be on offer in libraries, it believes that more needs to done to attract people through the doors.

Fall in spending

"Discovery centres will therefore offer additional services such as IT facilities, access to lifelong learning, local history information, archives and museum displays to attract new visitors."

The Gosport library is currently being refurbished before it reopens as a discovery centre in spring next year.

Library opening hours are also being extended across the county.

Councillor John Waddington, the council's recreation boss, said: "Change will need be a gradual and ongoing process, but one thing is clear - no change is not an option."