Ex-librarian fights for Fareham Library as demolition plans loom
A former librarian of 20 years is fighting against the demolition of a town library as part of regeneration plans.
Sue Seaton, who worked at Fareham Library and libraries across Hampshire for 20 years, fears moving the library will lessen its offering as a community hub. It comes as the borough council has proposed to demolish the building to make way for a new civic square as part of ambitious plans to redevelop the town centre.
But the 74-year-old retiree said the library, which first opened in 1973, could lose vital services if moved to a smaller building.
Mrs Seaton said: “The library is a big, welcoming space where anybody can come.
“It is a community hub, with a café and meeting spaces.
“I belong to a book club that meets here monthly. I come fortnightly to return and take out new books, but it is a place that offers so much more than just books.
“I cannot see how you could possibly replicate it.”
The demolition of the library forms part of the wider regeneration of Fareham town centre, which is expected to take 20 years to complete. According to the council, the library will remain in the town centre, but a specific location is yet to be decided.
The new premises would be provided before demolition. However, Mrs Seaton said it will not be the same as what already exists.
She said: “It is a good building that is also very accessible. The library is easy for people of all ages to get into.
“In an ideal world, I want the council to leave the library as it is.
“Even now on a Monday morning, you can see people are coming in and out of the library all the time.
“I can’t see that it would get the same flow of people if it is moved.”
Mrs Seaton and her husband Patrick are encouraging people to respond to the council’s consultation on the plans by April 13.
“Fareham has already lost one of its cultural hubs, Ashcroft Arts Centre”, Mr Seaton said.
“It would be unfortunate for the library as it is now to disappear.”
A spokesperson from the council said many public services, including the library, will be “protected and enhanced”, especially as it is “highly-valued”.
No decisions have been made on the future of the library, and it would not be relocated without “full consideration, agreement in principle from those affected, and extensive public consultation”, the council emphasised.
The spokesperson added: “Any proposals can only move forward where there is mutual support and a clear benefit for the town.
“Please be assured that we fully recognise the vital role our public services and town centre businesses play in Fareham.”