{"id":69774,"date":"2026-05-20T13:22:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T12:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=69774"},"modified":"2026-05-20T13:25:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T12:25:04","slug":"2-million-cash-boost-secures-future-of-devon-libraries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/2-million-cash-boost-secures-future-of-devon-libraries\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00a32 million cash boost secures future of Devon libraries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An ambitious \u00a32 million programme of investment and improvements to protect, strengthen and modernise the county\u2019s library service was approved by Cabinet today (20 May).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cabinet unanimously agreed to maintain current staffed opening hours, following one of the largest public consultations the Council has ever undertaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision will ensure that the county\u2019s 50 libraries remain firmly at the heart of Devon\u2019s communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will also help them become more accessible, flexible and sustainable for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The package includes a \u00a31 million transformation fund, earmarked in February, and an additional \u00a3100,000 investment in books and digital resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cabinet also announced a further \u00a31 million at the meeting, made possible by a council-wide underspend last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plans include a new long-term vision for libraries as trusted community spaces that support reading, learning, wellbeing and connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also include the removal of overdue fines from October to reduce barriers to access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology such as Open Access will be expanded to increase opportunities for longer opening hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Council will also strengthen partnerships with local councils, health services, voluntary organisations and community groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

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

\u201cThis is a positive, exciting and important step forward for Devon\u2019s libraries and the communities they serve.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the same time, we are looking to the future. We want to strengthen the service so it is more resilient and sustainable. The \u00a31 million transformation fund will be key to that. It will help us make the most of the opportunities identified through this extensive consultation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.\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\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive, Libraries Unlimited said: \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cLibraries Unlimited is delighted with today\u2019s announcement. We\u2019re so pleased that the Council have taken on board the public\u2019s response to the public consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe decision is testament to the crucial role that libraries play in communities across Devon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople rallied round to protect their local services, they made their voices heard, and over 25,000 completed the consultation survey. We\u2019re 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday\u2019s decision means that we\u2019ll 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\u2019s Libraries and the communities we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Devon\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":58224,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community"],"acf":[],"featured_image":{"ID":58224,"title":"library lamp","alt":"library books and a 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