ALTON library is to close from next Friday to until March 6 as £70,000 of self-service machines are installed.

Hampshire County Council member for culture and recreation, Keith Chapman said: "Alton library is among a number of libraries scheduled to benefit from the self-service machines this year. The kiosks free up staff from issuing books to help with enquiries and mean we can re-open the library on Wednesday mornings."

While confirming there would be "no job losses," and that Alton Library would not be seeking to replace paid staff with volunteers to help with the changed opening hours, Mr Chapman did say: "There are other ways in which members of the community can help if they would like to ask staff."

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.