Dartmoor communities urged to help shape future of Devon’s 50 libraries in new consultation

A major public consultation on the future of Devon’s 50 libraries has opened today (1 December), with residents across the county, including communities on and around Dartmoor, invited to give their views.

Devon County Council (DCC) is asking people to comment on proposals to reduce and standardise opening hours, explore extended hours through new technology, and consider the option of some libraries becoming community-managed in future. 

The council says no libraries will close under the plans, with the consultation running for 12 weeks.

DCC says the review is needed because of rising financial pressures and the continuing fall in physical book borrowing since the pandemic, despite an increase in digital loans.

Devon currently has 50 council-commissioned libraries, all run by the charity Libraries Unlimited, as well as a Home Library Service and outreach work. 

Last year they recorded 2.6 million visits and hosted more than 14,000 events, including children’s story sessions and digital skills workshops.

More than 113,000 people are registered as active library users in Devon, and 28% of them are children under 16. 

A separate survey for younger users aged 13 to 17 will be available during the consultation. (The children’s consultation will not be open to under-13s.)

Under the proposals, libraries would be grouped into local areas, with each area guaranteed at least one library open Monday to Saturday. 

All residents will be able to view specific proposals for their nearest branch, with libraries on Dartmoor including those in Tavistock, Okehampton, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Moretonhampstead, Chagford and Princetown, all of which are run by Libraries Unlimited.

The council is also seeking feedback on increasing the use of volunteers and the possibility of community-managed libraries, similar to arrangements already used in other parts of the country. 

New technology is also being considered. One option is an “Open Access” system that would allow registered users to enter a library outside staffed hours.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “Devon’s libraries are trusted spaces at the heart of our communities, and we remain committed to keeping all 50 libraries open. 

“As the way people use libraries continues to change, this consultation is an important chance to rethink and update the service, so it better reflects how people use libraries now and how they hope to use them in the future.

“By making sensible use of new technology, we can support libraries to develop further as community hubs, giving local people and organisations more opportunities to make good use of their library spaces.

“This consultation will play a key role in shaping the long-term future of the library service, and we want to hear directly from everyone, residents, young people, library users and community groups.”

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited, said: “Libraries are absolutely vital community spaces offering everything from books to blood pressure monitors, repair cafes to baby weighing, community fridges to low-cost cinema and much more besides.

“Crucially, they are spaces to come and be and connect with others, where everyone is welcome and it doesn’t cost any money to join. Our responsibility is to protect these spaces and ensure they continue to exist long into the future. This consultation offers a way to do this, and we encourage everyone to have their say.”

The consultation closes on Sunday 22 February 2026 and forms can be completed online, at local libraries or returned by post. 

All responses will be reviewed before revised proposals go to Cabinet in spring 2026.