Ground breaking partnerships with communities which would give the public a big say in the future running of their local libraries are set out in a new Devon County Council report.

The report - "Improving the Devon Library Service" by Edward Chorlton, Devon's Director of Environment, Economy and Culture - recommends protocols for working with local community groups which could in some cases see libraries being run by communities in partnership with the County Council.

Publication of the report follows the biggest public consultation ever undertaken about the library service in Devon and over 5,600 individual responses from Devon people have influenced in the recommendations in Mr Chorlton's report.

The report recommends introducing self issue technology which would allow the public to take books out themselves and provide the potential for self service outside of library normal opening hours.

Increased weekend, evening and lunchtime services are called for and "outreach" services to take library services into communities and groups who do not currently use them. Any potential for joint provision of libraries with schools should be considered, the report says.

The report recommends a review of the mobile library service to improve its coverage of disadvantaged and more remote communities. It also calls for a greater range of online reference resources for all library users.

A major bid to the Big Lottery Fund to finance improvements and expansion of Newton Abbot library is recommended. New libraries for Ivybridge, Ottery St Mary and South Molton, where funding has already been approved, are confirmed as priorities while Mr Chorlton's report also recommends seeking external funding and partnership support to replace Exeter Central Library and ageing libraries in towns across Devon - adding to the recent new libraries opened at Dartmouth, Tavistock, Tiverton and Torrington.

• News Release
• Executive Report
• Executive Report - supplementary
• Summary of Proposals
• Watch a recording of the Executive meeting from Tuesday, November 28
• Appledore Book Festival - supports Appledore Library

Summary of Proposals

• Appledore.
  Recommendation: Retain the service in the existing library building and work closely with the active local community group to maintain and improve the services. It’s recommended that responsibility of the Appledore library building be transferred to the local Friends” group.
• Colyton.
  Recommendation: Retain the service in the existing library building and invite the local Library Action Group to consult  residents about their proposals to change the library opening hours with the aim of improving usage. The report says the Group should further explore their vision for extending the building to create a local cultural centre with a view to the community raising funds for the building or seeking a suitable alternative.
• Bideford "Geneva".
  Recommendation: Based in Bideford Community College this has one of the lowest levels of public use in the county and is less than a mile from Bideford’s main library. It’s recommended that the service be withdrawn by July 2007 and the County Council work with the College and local schools to develop outreach library services for children across the town.
• Ipplepen.
  Recommendation: The service is based in a leased HORSA hut which surveyors say is in such a poor structural condition it will be unsafe this winter unless expensive temporary measures are carried out which would severely curtail the service. It’s recommended that the service moves out of the hut on December 15 and is replaced with a new mobile library service from January 2007 at a location to be agreed with the Parish Council. It’s also recommended that a service to housebound library users be provided via the WRVS where possible and that talks are held with the Primary School to enhance outreach work with local children is possible.
• Kingskerswell.
  Recommendation: To retain the service in the existing library building and invite the Action Group to develop the community views on the future of the library. It is recommended to draw up proposals to agree what practical support the Action Group and the Library Users Club Kingskerswell could give to improving the library in future, retain the library to give time for the ideas to be formally proposed, monitor its use and review the situation in June, 2007.
• Kingsteignton.
  Recommendation: Retain the service in the existing library building subject to a Local Development Framework being agreed which proposes a high level of new housing for the community; and contributions coming from housing developers to pay for replacing the library in a better location.
• Kingswear.
  Recommendation: Kingswear has the lowest usage of any library in Devon and the leased building has no access for the disabled. It’s opposite the successful new Dartmouth library on the other side of the Dart. It’s recommended that the service vacates the building at the end of March 2007 and is replaced with a new mobile library service at a location to be agreed with the Parish Council. Staff from Kingswear would be transferred to help meet increased demand in Dartmouth and the books and computers relocated to other Devon libraries.
• Pinhoe.
  Recommendation: Retain the existing library building pending an examination of the overall library service across Exeter especially in deprived areas, explore suggested improvements with the local Friends” group and review the position in June, 2007.
• Shaldon.
  Recommendation: Retain the existing library building until June 2007 to allow time for the Parish Council and local groups to clarify suggestions for an alternative location for the library. It’s recommended that the potential for providing a mobile service is explored and that savings from closing the existing library building be reinvested in improved opening hours at Teignmouth library, and/or local outreach services, and improving other Devon libraries.
• Sidmouth "Primley".
  Recommendation: Based in Sidmouth Community College, the service is just 1.2 miles from Sidmouth’s main library and public usage is low. It’s recommended that the service is withdrawn by July 2007, opening hours are enhanced at the main town library and talks are held with the Community College to help organise library outreach services for children across the town.
• Stoke Fleming.
  Recommendation: Invite the User Group and Village Hall Committee to discuss their ideas to take over the running of the library for the community in partnership with the County Council. If no agreement is reached, it’s recommended that a mobile library service be provided for the village in consultation with the Parish Council, and the existing library be closed.