Over the last decade the ready availability of information on Google, Wikipedia and accessibility to new, used or downloaded books through Amazon and Ebay has made information gathering and media so much easier to obtain than going to the local Library. I had felt that the time would come, like the butcher and greengrocer when the service would just not have the demand to merit its ongoing use and local authorities would be reporting the demise of this long standing service.
The reality is very different though that Hampshire Libraries have diversified into so many different types of media and offer so many services to vulnerable people that they offer a vital role in the community, but do we know what they do now and do we use them enough?
Nic Morgan of the Home Library Service visited Horndean Parish Council for the Annual meeting and gave a review of the current offering of services. I have to admit, I was stunned at how they have diversified to continue to play a key role in the community.
Our Horndean branch on Five Heads road lent out 22,000 items last year. That is more than 100 items every day it was open. They can get you any of the 2 million items that are held at any other library branch in the County delivered to our local branch within just a few days.
Some of the items include Books, Quick Reads (short books for people with learning or memory difficulties), Large Print books, Magazines, Audio books, Books on CD and MP3, Play Aways (devices with preloaded books that just need a AAA battery), DVD’s (especially childrens), Talking Newspapers, Specialist books (Military, War etc), “Books On Prescription” which may be referred by your GP for example on Dementure and more.
Our Horndean branch also has two computors and you are able to visit pay websites like Ancestry.com for free. (It is worth calling ahead to book the computors)
The team across Hampshire have also set up a volunteer network called “The Home Library Service” of vetted and approved people who will visit people at least every 4 weeks who have ill health, disabilities or caring responsibilities to deliver library materials to you at home. This service is completely free and if you would like to register then email Nic on nicolette.morgan@hants.gov.uk giving the name, address, postcode, telephone and how you heard about the service. You can also do this on someone’s behalf. Alternatively you can call the service on 0300 55 1387 or visit http://www.hants.gov.uk/home-library-service.
Branches further afield like Waterlooville and Petersfield also offer courses and some recent ones have been: Keeping Chickens, Learn Mandarin, Play the Ukulele, Crafts and Arts.
Horndean Library is at no 12 Five Heads Road and is open:
Monday 2:00 – 5:00
Tues Closed
Weds 10:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 5:00
Thurs 2:00 – 5:00
Fri 2:00 – 7:00
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Here is the link to Hampshire Libraries
New members needed for friendly knitting group “Knitter Natter” at Horndean Library
Knitters need other knitters, and whether you want to learn new stitches or pass on your skills, the warm companionship of a knitting group could enrich your love of knitting, crochet or needlecrafts. We meet on a Wednesday at 2.30pm every fortnight, a friendly, informal group who welcome new members, including those who would like to learn to knit. Contact Horndean Library on 023 9259 6371 for more information or see http://www.hants.gov.uk/library-horndean