NEW public libraries could be built as Hampshire’s population is forecast to grow over the next 20 years.

County chiefs have unveiled their vision for the future of the service, including the location of community libraries in new schools and other public buildings.

However some of the county’s existing 53 libraries could face closure, a council report suggests.

The population in Hampshire is forecast to increase by nine per cent or 115,800 by 2026. Some 80,000 new homes are planned between Portsmouth and Southampton.

Meanwhile Barton Farm in Winchester, Andover and Basingstoke have also been earmarked for giant new housing estates.

Local authorities have a statutory duty “to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service.”

A report from head of library service Nicola Horsey said: “There may well be the need for some new libraries in the future and we may also need to change our mobile (library) provision in some areas.

“Conversely we also need to take a rational look at some of our existing libraries and ask ourselves if they are needed to meet future demand or if there are alternative ways to deliver library services.”

The report was to be considered today (Friday) by Cllr Margaret Snaith, executive member for recreation and heritage, warns the service needs to find new ways of balancing its £19m budget other than raiding the book fund.

Future initiatives include self-service book issue machines in all libraries by 2012, and volunteers to cut staff costs.

The county is also considering joining with four other councils, including Southampton, for bulk buying and sharing of books.

Commenting on the five-year strategy, Lib-Dem group leader Cllr Adrian Collett said: “I am concerned that this could be a thinly disguised way of saying they intend to close libraries without being up front about it.”

He added: “ We won’t see any plans to close libraries before June 4. It will be held back until after the county council elections.”