Devon Libraries Fight Back Against Cuts

Libraries across Devon are facing potential reductions in opening hours as Devon County Council seeks to cut annual costs by around £7 million. The council is exploring measures such as increasing volunteer involvement and transitioning to community-managed libraries. These proposals include a significant cut of approximately 30% to staffed core opening hours, reducing them from over 1,294 hours per week to just over 914 hours.

A public consultation regarding the impact of these proposed changes on the 50 libraries in Devon is currently underway and is set to conclude this Sunday. Residents, including families and local groups, have voiced strong opposition, with one mother describing potential service reductions as "devastating" and a teenager highlighting libraries as vital "centres for communities."

The council asserts that all realistic efficiency savings have been made, deeming the current operational model unsustainable. They are allocating £1 million for transformation and community-led improvements and are committed to keeping all libraries open. The proposed changes also involve allowing registered users access to libraries without staff on-site and enabling local organizations to manage daily operations.