Extended opening hours at Topsham Library
Library users in Topsham will benefit from extended opening hours thanks to additional support provided by volunteers.
From 7 September the opening hours will increase from 15 to 19.5 with the library open until 6pm every Monday and Thursday for ‘Library Extra’ sessions hosted by Estuary League of Friends volunteers.
Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for the library service, said:
"These new opening hours are excellent news for residents in Topsham, especially children and families who now have an extra afternoon to use the library after school.
"Enthusiastic groups like the Estuary League of Friends have a vital role to play in securing a strong and sustainable future for our library service. Their active involvement in supporting and improving the services on offer mean we can better meet the needs of communities now and for years to come."
Estuary League of Friends Chief Executive, Rachel Gilpin, said: “We are delighted to be able to facilitate the increased opening hours of Topsham Library and trust that the new hours will enable more of the community to access the wonderful books and IT facilities that their local library has to offer.
"New volunteers are always welcome, and we currently need more people on Thursday afternoons."
The County Council transferred its building in Topsham, which houses the library, to the Estuary League of Friends in April.
The community group were keen to respond to a growing need for their services in the area by providing a modern fit for purpose community hub in a central location and approached the Council in 2013 to discuss the opportunity of working together to redevelop Topsham Library into a wider community facility.
The Council no longer owns the building, but continues to manage the library service with its professional staff, supported by Estuary League of Friends volunteers.
As well as the budget savings associated with not having to maintain the building, the transfer means the facility now better meets the needs of the community with existing and new services, other community activities and the library, all easily accessible under the one roof.
For more information please contact Topsham Library on 01392 874955 or the Estuary League of Friends on 01392 879009.
