Packed meeting hears pleas to save much-loved Torridge library from cuts

More than 120 people turned out to show their support for Northam Library and object to proposed huge cuts to its opening hours at a packed public meeting yesterday (Wednesday, January 7).

Libraries across the region are facing potential cuts to their opening hours as Devon County Council consults on proposals to restructure the service due to funding issues.

The consultation on all of Devon’s libraries runs until February 22 and as many people as possible have been urged to take part – there is even a section of the consultation for children to complete.

READ MORE: Community launches fight against ‘horrific’ cuts planned for a Torridge library

Northam would be one of the worst hit, with proposed cuts to its hours from 21 to six, meaning it would be open for just two mornings a week.

The newly formed Northam Library Action Group called the public meeting, with support from Northam Town Council, at the Town Hall yesterday to gauge the level of support.

Above: The packed meeting about Northam Library saw people having to stand in the corridor once the town hall ran out of seats. Credit: Rob Smith

The group argues such large-scale cuts would be a huge blow to the community, the many groups that use the library and the amount of social activities it provides as a community hub, going way beyond the amount of books borrowed.

The meeting was attended by many members of the public as well as pupils and staff from St Margaret’s School at Northam plus local town councillors, district councillors including Kerry O’Rourke and county councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, the cabinet member responsible for libraries.

There were also representatives from Libraries Unlimited, the charity which runs Devon’s libraries on behalf of the county council.

The action group already has a petition running and has ‘door-stepped’ more than 300 households in Northam and Westward Ho! as well as placed posters around the area raising awareness for the campaign.

READ MORE: Devon libraries could see their hours cut if new proposals go through

In a statement on behalf of the group, Rob Smith said the meeting was ‘just the start’, adding: “It was very gratifying to see and to hear just how many people in our wonderful community are prepared to support our campaign to preserve local library services and keep our fantastic community and social space open for those that need it and deserve it.

“The statements from many who came today were informative, heartfelt and at times very moving and we hope the powers that be will listen.”

Mr Smith told the Gazette that Jack Stafford, Library Unlimited's service delivery manager for North and Mid Devon libraries, outlined a proposal for the installation of a key card operated 'Open Access' system.

Mr Smith added: “Which he said would actually increase the library’s accessible hours, but many at the meeting were adamant the core of our campaign should be to maintain the number of ‘manned’ hours as it was the human and social contact element of a visit to the library that was so important.”

A statement read out at the meeting by action group member Myfanwy Langton-Jones said: “Northam Library runs so many activities that boost our community. It has two fully subscribed book clubs, a poetry club, knitting and crochet groups, bounce and rhyme, Lego clubs and school holiday events.

“I take part in the book club and poetry group; it is how I made friends when I arrived four years ago.

“How can this continue if it is only open two mornings a week? For some people in our group it is one of the few social outings they have due to age.”

Devon County Council has said no libraries would close if the proposals went ahead, but it wants to explore different ways to operate them, such as community-run libraries as has happened in Cornwall.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin said it was vital as many people as possible took part in the consultation, as this was the formal way for local voices to be heard.

She said the consultation was in the context of ‘significant financial pressures’  and the council had been very open about that, with Devon needing to find savings due to a lack of national funding and the higher cost of delivering services across a rural area.

But she said: “The turnout at the Northam community meeting was absolutely incredible. Seeing so many people come together and speak in support of their local library was genuinely inspiring and gives me a huge amount of hope for the future.

“The passion in the room was unmistakable and it reinforced just how important Northam Library is as a community hub.

“We now need to take this opportunity to turn this energy and commitment into something positive – working together to find local solutions that can support a strong, long-term future for the library.

“I am keen that we now build on this momentum and have honest, constructive conversations about how Northam Library can continue to thrive in a sustainable way, with the community playing a key role.”

She said the option of ‘open access technology’ had real possibilities for Devon libraries, to increase opening hours and improve flexibility.

Cllr Cottle-Hunkin went on: “I’m genuinely optimistic about what ‘open access’ could mean for libraries across Devon - it works in other parts of the country and can really help enhance their offer as they develop more and more into community hubs.

“Some people at the meeting recognised me from a couple of years ago when I led the campaign to try and save the mobile libraries. They know that I care deeply about our libraries and really know and understand how important they are in such a variety of ways for all ages and backgrounds.”

Above: County Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin and Appledore district councillor Kerry O’Rourke at the meeting. 

Northam county councillor Dermot Mcgeough also posted a statement ro say he fully supported the campaigns to save both Northam and Appledore libraries from the cuts.

He added: “Our libraries are essential for learning, social events and community use – many groups within the local area use this facility regularly. I personally thank all the staff and volunteers for all the hard work they do to ensure we all benefit from being able to enjoy these libraries for generations to come.”

The Northam Library petition can be found at the library itself, as well as at The Kingsley Inn, Golden Lion and Square Studio in Northam plus The Slice Of Life Cafe in Westward Ho!

Both adults and children can take part in the public consultation, which closes on February 22. To find out more about the proposals and see the specific proposed opening changes for every Devon library, go to https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is