We are planning to move Seaton Library from its current Queen Street location to a re-purposed premises central to the town, in partnership with Seaton Town Council.
The new ground floor space, formerly Marshlands Day Centre, is part of what we’re describing as a ‘hub’ that will incorporate the library, Public Health Nursing, Seaton Town Council and other public services.
Like most local authorities across the UK, we are facing unprecedented financial challenges and need to divert budget in response to rising costs and demand for services that support vulnerable younger and older people.
We’ve had an opportunity to use a break clause in the existing lease to look for more affordable premises in the town, and Seaton Town Council’s offer of the former day centre will safeguard the future of the library in Seaton, with the added benefit of being close to other public services.
Councillor Roger Croad, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the service, said:
“It’s a good opportunity that will safeguard the future of the library in Seaton, and we’re grateful to Seaton Town Council for working with us. The new premises is conveniently situated on the same site to other public services including our Public Health Nursing service.”
Libraries Unlimited deliver Devon’s library service on our behalf.
Kate Turner, Head of Library Service & Customer Experience at Libraries Unlimited, said:
“We’ve been providing library services for the people of Seaton in our current location for nearly 15 years, and we’ll be sad to leave. But we understand that local government is facing tough financial choices, and so we’re pleased that the library in the town will be safeguarded through this move. We’re working with the county council to ensure that within the budget that the council has available, the new library location at Marshlands continues to serve local needs.”
Councillor Amrik Singh, Mayor and Chair of Seaton Town Council, said:
“Seaton Town Council is pleased to be working with Devon County Council to co-locate the library at Marshlands. This will benefit residents by increasing the use of Marshlands for community focused services. We hope that this move, along with other improvements made by the town council to Marshlands over the last year will offer improved facilities for our community.”