National success for Devon Libraries

Devon County Council’s Library Service scooped the prestigious ‘Library of the Year’ title at the ‘Bookseller Industry Awards’ in London on Monday night.

The service, which was one of only seven from across the UK to be shortlisted, shares the coveted accolade with Dundee Library Service.

Judges praised Devon Libraries for the huge range of services they offered beyond books, describing it as a "well run, well backed service" and a "real community service with a strategic county wide approach." They were also impressed that despite a tough couple of years with significant reductions in budget, the service has managed to increase visitor numbers and loan figures.

Ciara Eastell, Head of Devon County Council's Libraries, Culture and Heritage Services, said:

“It’s a huge honour for us to win this major national award, and I am delighted that the hard work we have put in to developing new and leading edge services in response to our local communities’ needs have been recognised in this way. It was an enormous privilege to hear such positive feedback on a service that we all care so passionately about.

“We believe that Devon's libraries have the power to enrich and change people's lives, and despite a tough couple of years with significant reductions in budget, we have continued to help people of all ages with their reading, learning and information interests through our successful and diverse 21st century library service whilst getting the best value from our spending and by providing our services in more efficient and cost-effective ways.

“Through a combination of working together with our residents and partnership organisations, and thinking ambitiously and creatively, we have achieved fantastic results in both improving our libraries existing services and widening the offer our libraries make as important resources at the very heart of our communities.

“We know that our library service is highly valued by our residents, and this is a huge factor in our success, so a big thank you to all who continue to champion and value the service we provide.

“This award is also a fantastic tribute to the enthusiasm and determination of our incredible team of staff, whose passion and commitment ensures our library service is playing a key role in developing a love of reading in people of all ages; enabling those affected by unemployment and ill-health to access information services so free and supporting our communities to live happier, healthier lives.”

The good news doesn’t end there. The Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) has announced that Ciara Eastell, Head of Devon County Council’s Libraries, Culture and Heritage Services, has been confirmed as their new President-Elect. She will take over as President in June 2014 for a two year term, combining it with the role at the Council.

Janene Cox, SCL President, said: “I am delighted that Ciara has agreed to take on this role. Her significant experience of major service transformation and modernisation will assist the Society greatly in the coming months and years.”

Ciara has 20 years of experience working in various library and library management roles and she brings a fresh perspective to public libraries and a passion for the impact libraries make in their communities.

She began her career in the Gateshead libraries and arts service, and has since worked in Cambridgeshire and Somerset before joining Devon County Council in 2008 as Head of Libraries. She also spent three years leading a national programme with The Reading Agency to co-produce a better library service for young people.

Devon County Council’s Chief Executive, Dr Phil Norrey, said:

“This is an important role for the public library community and a wonderful opportunity for Devon to participate in developments and positively contribute to the changing public services landscape.

“I know Ciara will do a fantastic job representing the county at a national level helping to shape and influence policy, future direction and innovation – a real ambassador for Devon, well done.”

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