Sidmouth Library set for revamp
Major refurbishment and improvements works at Devon County Council’s Library in Sidmouth will get underway next month (September).
The transformation work will require the library to be closed from Thursday 12 September for just over five weeks, with the new-look library due to reopen on Wednesday 23 October.
During that period alternative arrangements are being put in place by Devon County Council to minimise any inconvenience, including additional hours at nearby Ottery St Mary Library, which will be open an extra one and a half days a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 5pm from Thursday 19 September to Thursday 17 October.
Extra items can be borrowed during the closure period, and library members will also be able to make full use of the facilities at neighbouring libraries at Seaton and Honiton. They are also invited to join in regular bounce and rhyme sessions, borrow or return books and access computers at any of the libraries across the County.
Once reopened the new-look Sidmouth library will have a more flexible layout so that the use of space can be maximised for a wider variety of purposes and activities at different times.
There will also be improved access for children, young people and their families, including moving the children’s library from the first floor to the ground floor and creating a more attractive ‘teen zone’.
In addition, there will be a dedicated quiet reading and study area, and the general ambience of the library will be improved by making it brighter and more welcoming to encourage visitors. Money has also been set aside to purchase new stock for the library, so the choice of books will also be improved and a new layout for the shelving will make the library easier to navigate.
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This refurbishment will create an improved space with a brighter look and feel which will broaden the library’s appeal not only for existing users but also for the wider community.
“Where we have invested already in our libraries and now provide a wider range of services of interest to local people, library membership figures have risen, and I’m sure this revamp will turn Sidmouth Library into a modern and flexible facility that is fit for the changing needs of the community and that everyone wants to use and can be proud of.
“We are keen to avoid any disruption to library users while the work is underway, and have increased opening hours at Ottery St Mary where our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be working hard to make sure those who usually visit Sidmouth Library can still access the services they need during the redevelopment.
“I would also encourage everyone to continue to make good use of Devon’s entire network of libraries by visiting other nearby facilities during the closure, such as Honiton or Seaton.”
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s local member for Sidmouth, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the transformation work begin and for even more residents to enjoy the facilities available.”
Details of all of Devon’s libraries, including opening times and services, can be found online at or by calling My Devon on 0845 155 1001.
