I’m really pleased to see new investment for libraries in Exeter and across Devon, with £200,000 confirmed to help protect and improve these much‑loved community spaces.
This funding will support practical improvements to library buildings and technology, helping services adapt to the changing ways people use libraries today—whether that’s borrowing books, getting online, accessing wellbeing support, or simply having a warm, welcoming place to spend time. As a child my family wasn’t able to buy lots of books, so I was a very proud owner of a library card – often asking the librarians to order in the Asterix and Terry Pratchett books that I hadn’t yet read.
This is a vote of confidence in our libraries from the Government, after several months of uncertainty due to Devon County Council’s LibDem/Green administration threatening huge cuts to our libraries funding.
The 22,000 responses to Devon County Council’s recent consultation shows just how highly people still value their local library. I’m pleased that DCC reversed its decision to cut £650,000 from this year’s libraries budget, but I will be paying close attention to the outcome of the consultation, as reduced staffing and opening hours are still on the table.
In contrast, this Government is boosting Devon’s libraries with £200,000 to improve library buildings and invest in new technologies to modernise the way services are delivered, making it as easy as possible for people to access the services they rely on.
