1. How many library service points were there by the end of 2016?
50 libraries and 4 mobile libraries.
2. Please provide a list of addresses
Addresses can be found on this devon libraries webpage.
3. How many library service points were there by the end of 2023?
Please refer to the link in answer 2.
4. Please provide a list of addresses
Please refer to the link in answer 2.
5. Which have reduced their opening hours reduced since 2016?
None.
6. Please outline any changes
Not applicable.
7. How many have been transferred from council control to the control of volunteers since 2016?
None.
8. How many libraries have moved premises since 2016? Please provide the former and current address.
Bideford – From Bridge Street, Bideford EX39 2HS to The Arts Centre, The Quay, Bideford EX39 2EY
Bovey Tracey – From Abbey Road, Bovey Tracey to Riverside Community Centre, Station Road, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AW
St. Thomas Library – From Cecil Road, St Thomas Exeter to St Thomas Library, Emmanuel Hall, Emmanuel Road, Exeter Devon EX4 1EJ
Remaining moves have previously been disclosed in this disclosure log post.
9. How many new libraries have opened since 2016? Please provide addresses.
None.
10. How many library service points are proposed for closure within the next year? Please detail any mobile libraries separately to buildings.
Please refer to this Devon libraries webpage.
11. How many members of staff worked for your libraries’ service by the end of 2016 calendar year (headcount please, not FTE)?
12. And how many members of staff work for your libraries’ service by the end of 2023 calendar year (headcount please, not FTE)?
In response to both questions above, the Council does not hold this information. Please contact Libraries Unlimited.
13. How many library service points were operated by volunteers at the end of 2016?
None.
14. How many library service points were operated by volunteers at the end of 2023?
None.
15. What is the net spend on library services each year in the period 2016 to 2024?
Please refer to the Council Budget Book.
16. How many books have been classed as Lost, Stolen or Missing per annum since 2016? Please provide figures for the financial cost.
The Council does not hold information prior to 2019.
| Report Date | Number of Items | Financial Cost – based on proxy* |
| 01/01/2019 | 14,514 | £118,434 |
| 01/01/2020 | 15,219 | £124,187 |
| 01/01/2021 | 8,743 | £71,343 |
| 01/01/2022 | 16,410 | £133,906 |
| 01/01/2023 | 18,966 | £154,763 |
| 01/01/2024 | 9,747 | £79,536 |
*The financial cost in the table above is based on a proxy value of £8.16 per item. This is the average cost per item for purchases for Devon libraries during the financial year 2023/24 to the end of December.