Flavel News: Devon Libraries Unlimited to run Dartmouth Library

Friends of Dartmouth Library meet with Ciara Eastell & Julie Dean of Devon Libraries Unlimited

Following much discussion with libraries across Devon, and consultation nationwide, a new organisation called Devon Libraries Unlimited has been formed, to run libraries throughout the county from April 2016. Dartmouth Library was one of those selected in 2015 as a pilot for the new scheme.

                                 

Devon Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity, which is in the process of negotiating a five-year contract with Devon County Council to run the fifty libraries throughout Devon.

In a meeting in Dartmouth Library on 18^th December, Julie Dean (Chair) and Ciara Eastell (CEO) of Libraries Unlimited, explained the structure of the new organisation to Dartmouth Library Friends Group, chaired by Hilary Fyson.

Julie Dean talked about her personal interest as an avid reader and library user,

“The library is where I learned my love of books and reading, and I would like the next generation to be able to do the same. We have to make this new initiative work.”

Ciara Eastell told us that, ”In Devon we are being very ambitious. Through good communication, by making pragmatic decisions and having complete autonomy, we know that we will make a big impact on peoples’ lives. We now need to promote the new structure and increase footfall.”

The discussion included various ideas about broadening the use of the library, and developing it as a community hub, how to engage certain age groups and the possibility of installing technology to enable out of hours use.

This initiative is a very positive outcome both for Dartmouth Library, and the Flavel Centre, whose representatives worked very hard behind the scenes to push for the pilot scheme. This work has already paid off, as it has resulted in securing jobs for our library staff, and the return of Wednesday morning opening.

If you are interested in supporting the development of your library by joining Dartmouth Library Friends, please contact Hilary Fyson: dartlibfriends@hotmail.com, or enquire in the library.