Campaigners from communities across Devon will gather at County Hall in Exeter on Wednesday (February 18) to hand a letter to Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil, opposing proposed reductions to public library opening hours.
DCC’s proposed changes to local library services are part of a 12-week public consultation period that ends this Sunday (February 22).
DCC says it wants to make services more resilient and flexible amid continuing financial pressure. This includes relying more on technology, having more standardised timetables and increasing community involvement, but opponents say it will have a detrimental impact on both the local community and staffing levels.
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If the proposals go ahead, they warn that opening hours across Devon’s 50 libraries could be reduced by almost 30 per cent.
Opponents have held large protests at a local level in recent weeks, including in Budleigh Salterton last month and in Otterly St Mary less than a week ago, saying the proposed reductions would significantly limit access to services and risk long-term damage to local communities.
In addition, there are fears the proposals will lead to job losses among paid librarians, as the aim is to increase the use of volunteer services.
A public meeting, attended by local councillors, will also take place at Budleigh Salterton Public Hall to discuss the issue next Monday (January 23) at 12.30pm.
There is more information on the proposals and the online survey on Devon County Council’s website: https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is/
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