An ambitious £2 million programme of investment and improvements to protect, strengthen and modernise the county’s library service was approved by Cabinet today (20 May).
Cabinet unanimously agreed to maintain current staffed opening hours, following one of the largest public consultations the Council has ever undertaken.
More than 25,000 responses were received with a clear message; people place a high value on their local libraries and the staff who run them.
The decision will ensure that the county’s 50 libraries remain firmly at the heart of Devon’s communities.
It will also help them become more accessible, flexible and sustainable for the future.
The package includes a £1 million transformation fund, earmarked in February, and an additional £100,000 investment in books and digital resources.
Cabinet also announced a further £1 million at the meeting, made possible by a council-wide underspend last year.
The plans include a new long-term vision for libraries as trusted community spaces that support reading, learning, wellbeing and connection.
They also include the removal of overdue fines from October to reduce barriers to access.
Technology such as Open Access will be expanded to increase opportunities for longer opening hours.
The Council will also strengthen partnerships with local councils, health services, voluntary organisations and community groups.
Additionally, the Council will also explore how volunteers can complement the professional library service. This follows expressions of interest from around 6,000 people during the consultation.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, said:
“This is a positive, exciting and important step forward for Devon’s libraries and the communities they serve.
“The response to the consultation was incredible, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their views. It has made a real difference to shaping these proposals.
“One of the clearest messages was how much people value librarians and the service they provide. That is why protecting staffed library hours is a key part of this decision. Our librarians are at the heart of the service. Their knowledge, support and dedication make our libraries trusted and welcoming places.
“At the same time, we are looking to the future. We want to strengthen the service so it is more resilient and sustainable. The £1 million transformation fund will be key to that. It will help us make the most of the opportunities identified through this extensive consultation.
“We now have a real opportunity to do more by working with partners, making better use of technology and ensuring our libraries continue to evolve as community hubs. This investment is about securing a strong future for our libraries. It will help ensure they continue to thrive at the heart of communities across Devon.”
Alex Kittow, Chief Executive, Libraries Unlimited said:
“Libraries Unlimited is delighted with today’s announcement. We’re so pleased that the Council have taken on board the public’s response to the public consultation.
“The decision is testament to the crucial role that libraries play in communities across Devon.
“People rallied round to protect their local services, they made their voices heard, and over 25,000 completed the consultation survey. We’re grateful to the County Council for listening and to Councillors for taking the time to go out and visit libraries and see first-hand the fantastic range of services provided.
“Today’s decision means that we’ll be able to look ahead to the future and work with the Council to put in place plans and clear timescales to deliver on what has been decided. This is a fantastic day for Devon’s Libraries and the communities we serve.”
Devon’s network of 50 libraries already attracts more than 2.6 million visits a year. The agreed investment is intended to help ensure they remain vibrant, welcoming and accessible in the years ahead.