Campaigners worried about potential cutbacks to Devon’s library service warn of redundancies as they petition supporters.

The Save Devon’s Libraries (SDL) pressure groups is lobbying MPs about a plan by Libraries Unlimited, which runs the service across Devon (50 libraries commissioned by Devon County Council and four by Torbay Council) says 19 experienced library supervisor jobs are at risk.

Just months after Devon County Council promised to protect the libraries, 19 experienced supervisors are competing for just nine new management positions as part of a cost-cutting restructure of the service, say campaigners.

An open letter and petition, by SDL organiser Solomon Elliott (backed by Steve Race MP, Exeter City Council councillors and library users across Devon), calls for the restructure to be paused, the financial case published and alternatives to redundancy explored. The letter urges supporters to sign the letter by Monday, October 19.

Last May, following a public consultation with 25,528 responses, Devon County Council announced £2m in funding to protect and improve the libraries.

The letter quotes Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin (county cabinet member for libraries, saying in response to the consultation: ‘The response to the consultation was incredible. One of the clearest messages was how much people value librarians and the service they provide. That is why protecting staffed library hours is a key part of this decision. Our librarians are at the heart of the service. Their knowledge, support and dedication make our libraries trusted and welcoming places.’

The letter continues: “Yet just months later, experienced staff face possible redundancy. On October 1st, Devon County Council announced £300,000 in one-off grants for library improvements and community activities. That's almost twice the proposed annual savings of £140,000 to £160,000 claimed by Libraries Unlimited to be the outcome of its restructure.

“Shouldn't the council consider whether it could use this money differently or find a similar amount elsewhere to protect our much-loved librarians while a long-term solution is agreed?”

The campaigners ask if Devon County Council knew the supervisor jobs were at risk when the funding was agreed. Were staffing cuts part of the discussions?

And added: “Even more concerning, librarians have told us they're afraid to speak out during the consultation for fear of retaliation from their employer. Nobody should be afraid to speak up about the future of their workplace.

“We fought to save Devon's libraries. Now we're fighting to protect the people who make them special.”

Solomon Elliott said in a social media post: “I’m grateful to councillors from different political parties across Devon who have already added their signatures (to the letter), demonstrating that protecting our librarians is something we can all united behind.

“Thank you to everyone who has signed and supported our campaign so far. We’ve now heard from library users at 32 libraries across Devon.”

She thanked David Reed MP for his letter raising concerns about proposed redundancies and called on everyone to support the letter and petition, calling for the restructuring to be paused and a ‘sustainable’ ten-year funding settlement to be agreed.

Libraries Unlimited has previously stated it cannot comment on details of the consultation while it is ongoing.