{"id":66889,"date":"2025-08-22T12:42:51","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T11:42:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=66889"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:35:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T13:35:57","slug":"transformed-childrens-library-opens-in-exeter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/transformed-childrens-library-opens-in-exeter\/","title":{"rendered":"Transformed children’s library opens in Exeter\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Exeter\u2019s new children\u2019s library opened to the public this week and it includes a new dedicated sensory space to support children with ADHD, autism, and sensory processing disorders.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Clore Children’s Library, unveiled by Libraries Unlimited who run Devon\u2019s libraries on our behalf, has been designed to be a welcoming and accessible space for all children and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sensory space, which includes a floating mezzanine and activities for older children, was created in collaboration with specialists\u202fAurora<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It includes a lift to ensure all children and their carers can fully experience the benefits of all the zones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impressive transformation is thanks to funding from the Clore Duffield Foundation and young people contributed their ideas towards the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Libraries Unlimited consulted children in secondary schools and in the library who gave ideas, thoughts, and suggestions.   <\/p>\n\n\n

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Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, our Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, said: <\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cThis new library will play a vital role in encouraging literacy, learning, and social engagement in children.<\/p>\n

\u201cFree events like storytimes, homework clubs, coding clubs and other literacy programs help will help families access learning opportunities outside of school.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe aim of the new children\u2019s library is to reach even more children across the city and the surrounding area.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n
\r\n\t
\r\n

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive, Libraries Unlimited, said: <\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cThe numbers of children across the UK engaging in libraries and reading for pleasure are dropping at a worrying rate. <\/p>\n

“We wanted to use this generous funding as an opportunity to build a space that would truly engage and excite children. By consulting with young people on this we feel they have helped us create something truly unique for the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Families have already been flooding in and enjoying the new library, and we are very hopeful about the positive impact of this space.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n \r\n 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