Library services and membership

Overview

Libraries across Devon and Torbay are delivered by Libraries Unlimited.

There are 50 libraries and four mobile libraries across Devon. A full list of libraries can be found here.

Mobile libraries visit hundreds of small towns and villages across rural Devon with schedules available to view here.

How libraries support new arrivals

Public libraries are the ideal place to find help and information about local services, and to borrow books and use computers.

Membership

Library membership is free, and it is free to borrow books. Anyone can join their local library and no ID is required.

Library membership gives access to:

  • children’s books
  • fiction
  • non-fiction
  • eBooks
  • eAudiobooks
  • eNewspapers
  • business information
  • academic books
  • local history information

Books and other items can be requested across all our libraries for a small fee.

Library computers, Wi-Fi access, and community information

All libraries offer free computer and Wi-Fi access. Informal support is available in all libraries for those wanting help with using the computers and the internet.

In addition, many libraries offer drop-in sessions with staff and volunteers offering device and other digital support.

Every library provides printing and photocopying services for a small fee.

Library staff also regularly signpost to other services in the local community.

Library collections

There is a wide selection of books, films, magazines, information, and music on offer. Browse the catalogue to discover an unlimited world of books, magazines, information, and resources.

There are over 400,000 titles available, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with the library and they will see if they can help you track it down.

If what you’re looking for is out on loan, you can reserve your item for a small charge, and you’ll be told when it’s ready to collect from your local library.

You can also use Libby and BorrowBox to download free magazines, newspapers, eBooks and eAudio.

You can access all your account information online, so you can renew any borrowed books and download eBooks, audiobooks, music, magazines, and newspapers at the touch of a button.

The bookstart programme offers free books and other information for families with babies and very young children when registering a baby’s birth and also at three years old.

Libraries hold bookstart gift books and leaflets in many different languages available to customers as required. Dual-language picture books in Ukrainian from Booktrust will hopefully be available in June.

More broadly, library stock in Ukrainian is being purchased including dual-language titles for children. However, publishers are catching up with demand. Supply will improve in the coming months.

Support with employability and skills

All libraries provide books and access to other information supporting employability and job seeking.

In addition, seven libraries in Devon run weekly work clubs including advice and support with job seeking, CVs, digital skills, interview skills and more.

The seven libraries with work clubs are listed below:

We also provide the Devon Business and Intellectual Property Service offering resources, advice, and skills support for local people looking to start a business.

Other library services

Three libraries in Devon and one library in Torbay will soon provide pop up locations for the administration and collection of visas for Ukrainian guests.

The four libraries are:

  • Barnstaple
  • Cullompton
  • Newton Abbot
  • Paignton (Torbay)

When pop up dates are confirmed, details will be added here.

Local libraries also offer lots of other activities for the whole family including:

  • bounce and rhyme for families with young children
  • baby self-weigh service (some libraries)
  • storytimes
  • reading groups
  • children’s reading challenges
  • various other social groups and activities, such as knitting groups

And lots more!

Check your local library webpage and social media channels for more details.

Contact your local library

If you have any questions, you can contact your local library directly, using individual library social media or alternatively, send an email to info@librariesunlimited.org.uk.

Libraries Unlimited can also be contacted on social media: