On the 3rd April, 2018, all Torbay Libraries started a brand new chapter as Devon based charity, Libraries Unlimited took over the running and maintenance of all four libraries on behalf of Torbay Council.
Libraries Unlimited will be responsible for the running of all libraries across the bay area for a five year period secured with a contract with the council.
Will my Torbay Library be closing?
No, there are no plans to close any of the Libraries, members of staff at all libraries across the bay area became employees of the new Libraries Unlimited Charity on the 1st April. The charity has also confirmed that the opening and closing times of the libraries will remain the same and be professionally staffed.
Why has this happened?
Libraries Unlimited is just one of four library sector spin-outs that have become independent organisations. It is thought that had this not happened we may have been facing uncertain times for the libraries across the bay.
The decision to become public sector mutual was agreed to be the best possible solution to ensure the security of the libraries within the Torbay area.
Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver said:
The future is bright for our libraries in Torbay with Libraries Unlimited taking the helm. With a range of budgetary pressures affecting the Council we have had to look at how we deliver services a lot differently, and this award is a great first step to ensuring our library service can continue and improve.
Libraries Unlimited’s experience of running nationally recognised library services will enable people who live, work and study in Torbay to have continued access to all our existing library services, and I look forward to seeing what innovative and new services they will be able to offer our residents
The Libraries Unlimited Charity will work closely with Torbay Council to ensure that all existing services are ran without disruption, so there shouldn’t be any disruption when you got to renew your books or take back that rather long term loaned book.
Over the course of the next 5 years the charity will look to offer extended services, resources and form a more integrated library service across the wider Devon area.
Unfortunately, Libraries Unlimited will also need to look to make £800,000 worth of savings over the duration of the contract as well as securing additional sources of income along with ensuring the libraries are operating as efficiently as possible.
Further details about the Libraries Unlimited can be found on their website, followed on Twitter @LibrariesUnLtd or via their Facebook page.
