Fareham Library
Fareham library on Osborn Road and what it offers
Fareham Library on Osborn Road is the main public library serving the town, operated by Hampshire County Council's library service. It occupies a building close to the town centre and provides a range of services well beyond the lending of books, though books remain at the heart of what it does.
The library holds a lending collection of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, along with audiobooks, DVDs, and a reference section. The stock is part of the wider Hampshire library network, which means that books not held at Fareham can be reserved and delivered from other branches. This interlibrary loan system significantly expands the range available to any individual borrower.
Library membership is free for all Hampshire residents. Borrowing is simple, using a library card that can be obtained by visiting the library with proof of address. Books can be borrowed for up to three weeks and renewed online, by phone, or in person. Overdue charges have been abolished in Hampshire libraries, removing a barrier that previously deterred some people from using the service.
Public computers with internet access are available for library members to use. This is an important service for residents who do not have internet access at home, whether through choice, cost, or circumstance. Printing and photocopying facilities are also available. Free WiFi covers the building, allowing visitors to use their own devices.
The children's section provides picture books, early readers, and older children's fiction and non-fiction. Regular events for children include story time sessions for toddlers and pre-schoolers, reading challenges during school holidays, and author visits. These activities are free and provide a valuable introduction to reading and to the library habit. The Summer Reading Challenge, a national initiative, runs every year and encourages children to keep reading through the holidays.
The library hosts a programme of events and activities for adults, including reading groups, author talks, and information sessions. It also serves as a venue for community activities, with meeting rooms that can be booked by local groups.
The Hampshire library service has faced funding pressures in recent years, and this has affected opening hours and stock budgets. Fareham Library's hours are reduced compared to a decade ago, and some services have been scaled back. Despite this, the library remains well used and valued by the community. Volunteers support some activities and services, supplementing the work of the professional staff.
Other libraries in the borough include the community libraries at Portchester and Stubbington. These are smaller branches with more limited hours and stock, but they serve their local communities and provide basic library services without the need to travel to the town centre.
The library service also offers an online presence through the Hampshire Libraries website and app, where members can search the catalogue, reserve books, download e-books and audiobooks, and access reference databases. The digital offer has expanded significantly and provides a useful extension of the physical library service.