The Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee of Devon Council met on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to discuss an update on the consultation for Devon's Library Service and to consider emerging feedback and proposals for the future of libraries in the county. The meeting's agenda also included the election of a Vice Chair and provisions for public participation.

Library Consultation Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the consultation regarding Devon's Library Service. The report, authored by the Director of Public Health and Communities, Steve Brown, outlined the council's legal duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964¹ to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. It noted that while libraries are evolving beyond traditional book lending to offer digital resources, community spaces, and support for health and wellbeing, changing usage patterns and financial pressures necessitate a review of service delivery.

The consultation, which ran from 1 December 2025 to 22 February 2026, sought views on proposals including a reduction in statutory opening hours from 1297 to 914 hours per week, and the implementation of an area-based opening strategy to ensure at least one library in each area remains open during weekdays. The exploration of extending opening hours through technology, volunteers, and community-managed libraries was also part of the consultation.

The report indicated a significant level of engagement, with over 25,500 responses received. Emerging themes from the consultation included general satisfaction with the current service, with around 50% of respondents stating that proposed hour reductions would affect their visit frequency. There was a positive response to volunteering, with over 6,000 individuals expressing willingness to volunteer, and 70% in favour of extending opening hours. Many respondents expressed interest in using technologies like 'Open+'² and community-managed libraries, though more information was requested.

Concerns were raised about the strong opposition to reduced opening hours, particularly for children, older residents, and those without transport. There was widespread concern that reduced staffed hours could undermine libraries' role as safe community spaces for vulnerable groups. Respondents also called for improvements in book stock and digital availability, specifically reduced waiting times for e-books, and supported the expansion of valued services such as children's activities and community events.

The report also presented a draft Vision for Devon's Libraries, which aims to provide strategic direction. This vision positions libraries as Trusted • Welcoming • Community‑Led hubs that support learning, connection, and thriving communities. It emphasises evolving beyond traditional book lending to become multi-purpose spaces that reduce digital exclusion, improve health and wellbeing, host cultural activities, and provide a base for early help. The vision also highlights libraries' role in tackling isolation, acting as welcoming front doors to wider support, and removing physical, digital, and psychological barriers to access. It proposes a balanced mix of skilled paid staff, volunteers, and technology, and outlines a commitment to protecting and promoting a comprehensive and efficient statutory network, working alongside communities and partners, and developing place-making initiatives.

The committee was invited to note the positive engagement and emerging feedback from the consultation and the council's emerging Vision for Devon's Libraries, and to provide feedback on its development. The report stated that further analysis would be completed to compile a formal consultation response, which would be published in due course, and that Cabinet would consider the consultation response alongside the Library Needs Assessment and any related impact assessments.