Ilfracombe library changes ‘a huge blow’ for Town of Culture bid, councillor warns
Devon County and North Devon Council member Cllr Sara Wilson (Green) is calling for the rationale behind the cuts to be properly explained and has requested an urgent scrutiny meeting, amid concerns that the loss of the library team could result in a reduction in what the library has to offer.
A linchpin service in Ilfracombe has been dealt “a huge blow” which could impact on its Town of Culture bid, a councillor has warned.
The town’s library supervisor is being made redundant in restructuring plans by Libraries Unlimited and the front of house manager has decided to step down in light of the changes.
The pair have been working together for nearly two decades and introduced many initiatives which boost a love of reading and culture as well as improving social isolation and deprivation.
They also run the Friends’ group which is responsible for vital fundraising to put on extra free activities.
Devon County and North Devon Council member for Ilfracombe Cllr Sara Wilson (Green) said the loss of the formidable team could result in a reduction in what the library had to offer and this would send the wrong message to the Town of Culture 2028 judges who will be considering Ilfracombe’s bid in the new year as one of 15 finalists.
“Literacy is so important to culture and the library works with the art trail to get children into reading, art and craft. It’s such a part of what we do here for community and culture.
“Any downgrading like this will have a negative impact. It has destabilised and demotivated the team which will be left with two part time staff.”
It is understood that up to 19 supervisor roles across the county could be at risk in the shake-up as Libraries Unlimited looks to manage smaller libraries by area managers.
Cllr Wilson said supervisors were “the engines” of libraries.
She and other county councillors are calling for the rationale behind the cuts to be properly explained and have requested an urgent scrutiny meeting.
Libraries Unlimited is a charity that runs the libraries on behalf of the Devon County Council and receives £7 million a year from the authority but it has been facing financial pressures due to rising costs and reduced council funding.
Cllr Wilson is seeking information on whether the front of house role will be retained.
Ilfracombe Library hosts everything from bounce and rhyme sessions to baby weighing, breakfast clubs and English classes.
“It is a lovely warm friendly place that has been really innovative,” said the councillor. “At the end of November they are putting on a free pantomime for families, they want to do it for the community, it is a lot of work.
“There are initiatives to help families like free snack packs for children but all of this needs fundraising. In a community where there is quite a lot of deprivation this is so important. The library is a free public space that acts as an important hub and is really highly valued.
She said she was pleased that a plan to reduce library hours by 30 per cent across Devon to save money was shelved earlier this year but cutting supervisor roles could be just as damaging.
“We want to know what other measures were looked at before going down this road,” she said.