Half of Libraries Could Close
More than half of Devon’s libraries could face closure as the county council announce plans to cut back their support to the service.
Under the plans 28 out of 50 council-run libraries, including the libraries in St.Thomas and Pinhoe, would either have to be taken on by communities volunteers or else face closure.
The plans could also see the council’s 22 remaining libraries, which the council say account for nearly 80% of the developed to provide a broader service known as ‘Devon Centres’.
The council say that these proposed changes, alongside further cost reduction elsewhere, are expected to take around £1.5m from the council’s library service budget.
However Councillor Roger Croad, the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the library service says that the Council’s need to save £110 million by 2017 due to cuts in Government funding is not the only reason for the proposals.
He said: “Changes in the way people use libraries, and in what they expect of the service, is also driving this consideration of what a future library service might look like.
“These proposals would see a consolidation of the service focusing on a network of enhanced Devon Centres, with resources and support to community-led initiatives.”
The council say that the planned ‘Devon centres’ are supported by new guidance from Arts Council England, which is responsible for public library policy, has published what it thinks a modern library service should offer.
This guidance suggests that multiple services, such as adult learning and businesses support, be available under one roof and is likely to be the focus in developing the new centres.
The new centres will be developed from the county’s busiest libraries and will include the newly re-furbished Exeter Library due to open next month.
The developments will include; Barnstaple, Crediton, Dawlish, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Okehampton, Seaton, South Molton, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Tiverton and Torrington libraries.
“We know that, at their best, libraries have tremendous potential to support people of all ages to develop their skills and knowledge.” said Cllr Croad.
“We think these proposals represent the best opportunity to maximise the potential of libraries to support local communities in the future.
“Of course, we are continuing to reduce costs in other ways, in our management and support of the service.
“Over coming months we will be going out to communities to engage them in thinking about how they can maintain a local service, with as much support from the Council as we can give.
“I would encourage local residents, groups and organisations to give us their views and to put forward any other ideas or suggestions they have on how we can continue to offer this very important service whilst also reducing costs. We are happy to hear from organisations across the county who have innovative ideas on how this could be done.”
The consultation on on these proposals will begin within the next three months following discussion of the proposals by the Coucnil's Cabinet tomorrow.
