Devon libraries set to receive major Government funding boost

Libraries across Devon are to receive a £200,000 investment from the government to upgrade buildings and technology.

The funding is part of a wider £127.8m package announced on Tuesday, April 14, aimed at supporting 130 cultural venues, museums, and libraries across England.

It comes following a period of uncertainty for the service, after Devon County Council recently reconsidered proposed budget cuts following significant public opposition.

The £200,000 grant, which will be shared between Libraries Unlimited and Devon County Council, is being delivered through the Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF).

The government said the money is intended to help facilities adapt to "changing ways" that people use libraries, with a focus on modernising technology and improving energy efficiency.

Exeter’s Labour MP, Steve Race, welcomed the investment, describing it as a "vote of confidence" in the local service.

"Libraries are at the heart of our communities and provide valuable support throughout our lives," Mr Race said.

"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."

The news follows a controversial consultation by Devon County Council’s LibDem/Green administration regarding the future of the service.

Residents had expressed concerns that proposed "efficiency savings" would impact the library's role as a hub for internet access and wellbeing support.

In February, the council announced it would no longer require the service to find £650,000 in savings, restoring the funding following a consultation that received 22,000 responses.

Mr Race said he would be "paying close attention" to the outcome of the consultation, noting that despite the restored funding, reduced staffing and opening hours are "still on the table."

The Devon funding is a slice of the government’s broader £1.5bn Arts Everywhere Fund. Other allocations announced today include:

• £96m for arts and cultural venues via the Creative Foundations Fund.

• £25.5m for local museums to improve visitor experiences.

• £6.3m specifically for library services across 28 regions.

The Culture Secretary previously committed to saving more than 1,000 "cherished" heritage and cultural buildings over the course of the current parliament.