Final push for library service under threat

A brass band, a theatre group and families turned out in support of libraries in Devon threatened with cuts to opening hours.

Devon County Council is looking at reducing opening hours, getting more volunteers involved and the possibility of community-managed libraries in a bid to reduce an annual cost of about £7m.

One mother at the event in Bedford Square said reductions in the service could be "devastating".

A public consultation into the impact of changes to the 50 libraries around Devon is due to end on Sunday.

Libraries in Devon have more than 110,000 active users with children the most engaged group, according to the council.

The Devon County Council proposals include cutting opening hours where staff are present by about 30%.

Library user Hannah Rudd said: "It's devastating as an avid reader and lifelong library-goer.

"I've been using the library since I was a child and they've directed my whole career progression."

Elliott, a teenager who uses several libraries, said they provided "a centre for communities".

He said: "You can meet new people and make friends over learning and reading."

The library service in Devon is run by the charity Libraries Unlimited.

Kate Turner, head of libraries at the charity, said the response from the public since the consultation began had been overwhelming.

She said: "Our staff have been inundated with questions from the get-go back in December.

"That's really continued throughout with people wanting to understand what it means for them."

Independent councillor Jess Bailey, who represents Otter Valley on Devon County Council, said there was huge strength of feeling about the proposed changes in Ottery.

She said: "It's going to have a massive impact on the residents in my division and across the towns and parishes of Devon.

"People absolutely rely on the library. It's not just a place to take out books, it's a community hub and the reduction in hours is horrifying people."

Devon County Council is proposing a reduction in "staffed core opening hours" from 1,294 hours and 45 minutes per week to 914 hours and 30 minutes per week, just over 70% of the current hours.

In its consultation the council says "all realistic efficiency savings have already been made" and "the current model is no longer sustainable".

The proposed changes include allowing registered users to enter and use the library without staff on site and local organisations managing the day-to-day running of libraries.

The council says it is committed to keeping all libraries open and is setting aside £1m for "transformation and community-led improvement".

Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin,Liberal Democrat cabinet member for libraries, said: "What we can promise is that we're listening and we'll make decisions listening to our communities and working with our communities.

"There are ways forward where we can see our libraries opening for longer but we need to work with our communities, town and parish councils and schools and I'm sure there is a positive, thriving future for all of our libraries across Devon."

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