News

Supporting Our Library

Budleigh Salterton Library is in peril. This much used, much loved facility is threatened with cuts which could see its opening times almost halved – from 27 hours a week down to 15 hours.

Under the proposals, which are aimed at all 50 libraries across Devon, it would be closed all day on Thursdays and Fridays. That is in addition to the Tuesdays and Sundays when it is already closed. These cuts are termed as “simply adjusting hours” in the proposals.

Ironically, the Government has designated 2026 as the National Year of Reading – highlighting how important reading is in so many lives.

As we know, once lost, it is hard to get things back.

At 48,000 visits last year, Budleigh Salterton Library dealt with almost 1,000 visits a week. Borrowers took more than 27,000 books – nearly all at the counter rather than the self-service stations.

Of course, libraries are not just about borrowing books. Budleigh Library:

• Is the only place in town with a public photocopying service.
• Offers digital inclusion and technology access to those without home computers or WIFI.
• Offers a community space and social connection.
• Allows access to information to everybody – books, academic journals, digital resources, local groups and organisations.
• Supports life-long learning from the youngest to the oldest in our community.

BSLF has partnered with the library for children’s Bounce and Rhyme as well as using it as a venue for author visits. We believe it is an essential part of the fabric of the town.

As a registered charity, our mission is to celebrate books and their authors and to promote the art or writing and enjoyment of reading in our community and our schools. We believe the library is a key part of that.

Sue Briggs, Chair of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, said: “Our library is a valuable and much used part of the town and the community. It is run by professional, trained, efficient and caring staff and needs to be open for more hours – not fewer.”

To take part in the consultation, you need to respond BY Sunday February 22 2026. The link to take part is https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is and if you don’t have your own computer, you can visit the library to voice your concerns.