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Hampshire libraries to up book spend

28.02.08 Benedicte Page

Hampshire County Council is to raise its spend on library books by 17.5% this year following an internal review into its Library and Information Service (LIS).

The council's latest budget (for 2008–09) makes provision for an additional £350,000 for the purchase of new books for libraries across the county. This represents a 17.5% increase on the £2m Hampshire spent on library books last year.

The review, conducted by the council's culture and communities select committee, has recommended that the LIS increase its percentage spend on books, and asked it to revisit its controversial branding of town libraries as "discovery centres".

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By Councillor Peter Chegwyn

Of course it's a con as Hampshire County Council has held back £300,000 from its Book Fund in the current 2007/08 financial year to meet a deficit in its overall Recreation & Heritage Department budget. All the 'new' money in 2008/09 will do is replace the money not spent in 2007/08!

28 Feb 08 10:56

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