Town and parish councils in Devon are being called upon to actively participate in shaping the future of the county’s 50 libraries. This appeal comes as the ongoing consultation by Devon County Council (DCC) examines proposed changes to library opening hours amid increasing financial pressures.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, who oversees library services, has communicated the urgent need for a sustainable model to maintain these community hubs. In her recent correspondence to local councils, she outlined how the library service budget has “reduced in real terms” while operational costs have consistently risen.
Despite efforts to implement savings, Cllr Cottle-Hunkin indicated that the current service model is unsustainable. She 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.”
Cllr Cottle-Hunkin has a long history of advocating for libraries, including attempts to preserve the former mobile library service. She emphasized the role of libraries as “trusted spaces at the heart of our communities” and reiterated DCC’s commitment to keeping all 50 libraries operational.
Consultation Details and Community Involvement
As library usage evolves, this consultation presents a critical opportunity to rethink and enhance services to better align with current and future community needs. Cllr Cottle-Hunkin highlighted the potential for integrating new technology, which has been successfully implemented in other regions to extend library hours and improve access.
She noted that authorities such as Lincolnshire and Cornwall have adopted a blend of council-run and community-led libraries, providing valuable insights for DCC’s approach. “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.
The public consultation has generated considerable interest, with approximately 14,000 responses received so far. This includes feedback from a specific survey targeting younger library users aged 13 to 17 years. The consultation will conclude on February 22, 2024, with residents able to submit their opinions online, at local libraries, or via post. Copies of the consultation forms are available in every library across Devon.
DCC has pledged to review all responses before presenting revised proposals to its cabinet in the spring. Individuals can view the full proposals regarding cuts to opening hours and participate in the consultation by visiting the DCC website.
As Devon navigates these financial challenges, the emphasis remains on fostering community engagement to ensure libraries continue to serve as essential resources for all residents.
