{"id":70318,"date":"2026-07-01T14:05:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T13:05:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=70318"},"modified":"2026-07-01T14:09:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T13:09:32","slug":"more-flexible-hours-devon-libraries-new-open-plus-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/more-flexible-hours-devon-libraries-new-open-plus-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"More flexible hours for Devon libraries with new Open Plus technology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Residents in Devon will soon be able to use their libraries for longer, as new Open Plus technology is introduced across the county.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first phase of the installations begins this month, (July). Eleven libraries will have the technology installed between July and March 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those libraries are Kingsteignton, Axminster, Sidmouth, Kingskerswell, Holsworthy, Combe Martin, Crediton, Dawlish, Honiton, Teignmouth and Budleigh Salterton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The installations follow a successful trial at Cullompton library earlier this year, and a trial due to start soon in Northam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open Plus allows registered library members to access their library outside normal staffed hours. It means people can visit earlier in the morning, later in the evening, and at weekends, using simple self-service systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individual timetables will be introduced at each library, indicating the times that library users will be able to access their library, eg between the hours of 8am to 8pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The move is part of ongoing work by the council and Libraries Unlimited to make libraries more flexible and easier to use, helping more people fit visits around work, family life and other commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During Open Plus hours, people will be able to borrow and return books, use computers and Wi-Fi, enjoy quiet spaces to read, study or work, and use the library\u2019s photocopying facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each library will have to close for approximately one week while the technology is installed. Library users will be informed in advance of the closure and arrangements will be in place to extend current loans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once installed and tested, customers will be able to sign up for Open Plus access with a short induction, ahead of the planned go-live dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staff will still be available during regular opening hours for anyone who needs help or prefers to visit when the library is staffed.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

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

\u201cWe know how important our libraries are to local communities, and we want to make them easier to use for more people.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen Plus gives residents much more choice about when they visit, whether that\u2019s before work, after school or at the weekend. It\u2019s about making our libraries fit around people\u2019s lives while keeping the support and expertise that staff provide. This technology is already used very successfully in other parts of the country and across the world.\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

Our Cabinet announced in May a multi-million-pound investment and improvement programme to strengthen and modernise existing library services in Devon.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillors agreed to maintain current staffed opening hours; invest an additional thousands of pounds in books and digital resources; remove overdue fines from October to reduce barriers to access; expand the use of technology to increase opportunities for longer opening hours; and strengthen partnerships with local councils, health services, voluntary organisations, and community groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Councillor Cottle-Hunkin added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are absolutely committed to developing and improving our library service to ensure they are strengthened and resilient into the future.  Increasing opening hours through the use of this technology is just one part of our commitment to delivering an improved library service, to support communities and hopefully get more people reading too!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer, Libraries Unlimited, commented:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are large numbers of people who can\u2019t get to the library during staffed opening times, so we are delighted to be installing this technology to allow more people to use the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt has proved popular already in Cullompton, especially evenings and weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are always looking for ways to increase access to the library and this does exactly that.\u201d   <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

More information about which libraries will offer Open Plus, and how to sign up, will be published soon. Library users will be informed about the proposed switch on dates nearer the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plans to install the technology in other Devon libraries are to be confirmed and will be subject to a feasibility assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please check the Libraries Unlimited website for up to date opening hours and closure notices Home – Libraries Unlimited<\/a>.  Members with a library card and a registered email address will be emailed directly to notify them in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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