This is your last chance to have your say on the future of Devon’s libraries

There are just three days left for people to have their say on controversial proposals to cut the hours of libraries across Devon.

The consultation being run by Devon County Council ends on Sunday (February 22) and if the proposals go ahead, most libraries will see a reduction in opening hours, with smaller libraries particularly hard hit.

The council has admitted it and Libraries Unlimited, the charity which runs Devon’s libraries, are facing ‘significant financial pressures’ and it says the service needs to adapt to ‘the changing ways people are using libraries’.

READ NEXT: Community launches fight against ‘horrific’ cuts planned for a Torridge library

The consultation was launched in December and can be completed online – so far it has received more than 17,000 responses.

In North Devon and Torridge, smaller libraries such as Northam, Appledore, Braunton and Combe Martin face significant reductions in their hours, but all local libraries would see some cuts if the plans go ahead.

The county council has pledged no library will close but its says the consultation seeks residents’ views on exploring new technology, ‘standardised’ opening hours and to consider greater community involvement, which could mean community groups or parish councils taking on libraries.

While the council has pointed to a reduction in book borrowing levels, campaigners at many local libraries say they are far more than collections of books.

They say they are community hubs, often the only contact with others some may have in a week and thriving with a range of clubs, workshops and activities, as well as providing services such as internet access.

READ NEXT: County calls on town and parish councils to step up for Devon’s libraries

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, cabinet member for libraries, has attended various local meetings since the consultation was launched.

She said: “Each library is unique, they are used in different ways, by different people serving different needs in different communities, and the solutions to ensure their future resilience may also be different as well.

“I recognise that the people who know best about their local library service, who have the ideas and an insight into how they can be better used are those who use and work in them.

“We are one of the few authorities over the last 20 years that hasn’t closed any of our library branches and we are committed to keeping every single one open. These proposals are about making sure local libraries are resilient and are able to deliver the services that people want.”

Many communities remain deeply concerned at how this will affect. Recently on Valentine’s Day, Ilfracombe residents staged a ‘Love Your Library’ walk to show their support and urge people to take part in the consultation before it was too late.

Above: Campaigner Netti Pearson as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland and county councillor Sara Wilson drum up support for their local library in Ilfracombe.

Organisers Terry Elliott, a town councillor and campaigner Netti Pearson said: “We can’t assume that volunteers and untrained staff can cope with the needs of people who now use the libraries.

“The proposal doesn’t recognise the unique contribution that a library makes to a specific community, especially around health and well-being in deprived and isolated areas. DCC should be adopting an equity approach and directing more library services to areas with the greatest need.

“Libraries have changed: no longer just places where books are borrowed: they offer a warm, welcome space often with refreshments; a meeting space for book clubs, crafts and other special interest groups for all ages; somewhere to access online services along with advice on how to use them; they substitute in many ways for the loss of other public services.”

Ilfracombe’s county councillor Sara Wilson added: “I understand the difficulties in balancing the council’s budget but I cannot support any more cuts to Devon Libraries.

“In Ilfracombe where we have lost so many services, we can’t expect volunteers to replace paid library staff. With poor public transport links and vulnerable populations, reducing paid staff and opening hours in Ilfracombe and Combe Martin libraries risks imposing even more disadvantages on already vulnerable groups.

“Coastal communities need more than incredible volunteers filling in the gaps where services have been lost.”

There is still time to complete the consultation online – go to https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is to have your say. Campaigners also suggest it is worth emailing any further views you have which aren’t covered by the survey questions to communitiesconsultation@devon.gov.uk