Town and parish councils throughout Devon are being called upon to contribute to the future of the county’s 50 libraries. This appeal comes as the consultation process by Devon County Council (DCC) on proposed changes to library opening hours is ongoing. Councillor Cheryl Cottle‐Hunkin, the cabinet member responsible for libraries, has reached out to local councils, emphasizing the financial challenges currently facing the library service.
DCC has reported that the library service budget has significantly decreased in real terms, while the costs associated with delivering these services have continued to rise annually. Although some savings have been made, Cllr Cottle-Hunkin stressed that the existing model is no longer sustainable.
Community Involvement is Crucial
In her recent communication, Cllr Cottle-Hunkin stated, “The consultation is your opportunity to help shape the future of your local libraries. Your insight into the needs and priorities of your community is invaluable.” She has been a longstanding advocate for libraries, campaigning for their importance even before her tenure as a county councillor. Her efforts include attempts to preserve the former mobile library service.
Cllr Cottle-Hunkin emphasized the role of Devon’s libraries as vital community spaces, stating, “We remain committed to keeping all 50 libraries open.” As library usage evolves, she believes this consultation is a critical opportunity to rethink and modernize the service to meet current and future community needs.
She pointed out that leveraging new technology could transform libraries into community hubs, providing local residents and organizations with more opportunities to utilize library spaces effectively. “We’ve seen this technology used successfully in other parts of the country to extend opening hours, improve access, and offer more flexibility for residents,” she added.
DCC has also examined how other councils, such as those in Lincolnshire and Cornwall, balance council-run and community-led libraries, to inform their approach.
Public Consultation Details
The ongoing public consultation has garnered approximately 14,000 responses, including input from a specialized survey targeting younger library users aged 13 to 17. This consultation is set to conclude on February 22, 2024. Residents can participate by completing forms online, visiting local libraries, or sending responses by post. Both paper and online copies of the consultation documents are available at every library.
DCC has committed to reviewing all responses before presenting revised proposals to its cabinet in the spring. Members of the public can access the full details of the proposed changes to opening hours at libraries in North Devon and Torridge and participate in the consultation through the official DCC platform.
In conclusion, DCC is keen to hear from all stakeholders—including residents, young people, library users, and community organizations—to collaboratively develop a sustainable future for Devon’s libraries. This initiative highlights the ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing library services in the face of financial challenges.
