RESIDENTS in Holsworthy are being encouraged to share their thoughts on proposals that will affect their local library.

Libraries Unlimited, the operator of many of the libraries in Devon has outlined plans to cut the number of hours that Holsworthy Library will be open for.

It is seeking the views of service users on the proposals which would see the majority of operating hours at its libraries across Devon changed or reduced.

At present, Holsworthy Library is open for 21 hours a week with its opening times being between 2pm and 5pm on Mondays, 10am until 6pm on Wednesdays, 10am until 5pm on Thursdays and 10am until 1pm on Saturdays.

If the proposed changes go ahead, there will be a reduction in opening hours to 15 a week, with some of the hour savings coming with the introduction of a closure between 1pm and 2pm on the days where it is presently open all day.

It would be open on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10am and 1pm in addition to 2pm until 5pm and would retain its present opening times of 10am until 1pm on Saturdays.

It would be closed on a Thursday and close an hour earlier on Mondays and Thursdays.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Libraries Unlimited stated: “This proposal and the consultation process is looking at the reduction and standardisation of opening hours across the county.

“The total weekly staffed core opening hours of libraries in Devon will go from 1,294 hours and 45 minutes per week to 914 hours and 30 minutes per week – the equates to retaining 70.63 per cent of the current hours.

“Currently the large library network in Devon has a varied range of opening hours across its 50 libraries which have been the result of various changes over the years.

“It should also be noted that in the last 12 months that there have been temporary reductions to staffed opening hours at multiple locations due to financial constraints and local operating requirements.

“Each library’s opening hours have been reviewed.

“The proposal introduces a standardised approach to opening hours. Libraries will be grouped into eight geographical areas based on size, demand, and community need.

“Within each area, libraries are organised into bands (A–D), with each band having the same set number of opening hours. This helps ensure consistency across the county.

“Three libraries—Barnstaple, Exeter, and Newton Abbot—are designated as 'Centre Libraries'. These play a key role in supporting the entire network, including logistics, supply chains, and service coordination and have the longest proposed opening hours.

“Exeter Library has additional opening hours compared to the other designated centre libraries due to it being the largest population centre with the highest usage.”

Other proposals include the increased use of volunteers, the use of open access technology and community managed libraries involving local organisations to help operate the libraries.

Other plans include Devon’s libraries being open for 48 weeks a year as opposed to 52.

The consultation can be found at www.devonlibraries.commonplace.is until February 22.