Home Ed Science Sessions…
The incredibly popular stopmotion animation workshop…
A course looking Beyond Democracy…
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Today, the organisation behind Sidmouth Library published its vision to demonstrate how the library service in Devon can be imagined from the community up, rather than county down. Here it is: Devon Libraries at the Heart of Communities – Libraries Unlimited.
This is part of the Have your say on the future of Sidmouth Library consultation – and we have until 22nd February. It’s very straightforward to take part: just go to https://devon.cc/your-libraries.
One of the key points of today’s message from Libraries Unlimited is that resilient Libraries mean resilient communities – and this can be seen by the wonderful mix of events and activities happening at Sidmouth Library. In a posting on their social media they ask: What value do you get from your library? 💚📖:
Perhaps you find us a handy space to get some work done – with free wifi, calm desk spaces and printing facilities. Maybe you have little ones that enjoy our craft activities, home education or bounce and rhyme sessions. You might be saving a fortune on books by ordering in copies of their favourite series for free! Or you like popping in to see the friendly faces of our staff and volunteers. Maybe the library will be the only place where you will see someone today, or a welcoming place for you to warm up and get a much needed hot drink without the need to spend any money. Whatever value you get from your library, it is vital you make your thoughts known in the DCC Consultation on the future of Devon Libraries. Sidmouth Library is facing a proposed cut of 29% to our opening hours – with many other Devon Libraries facing similar or further cuts. Please use the link below or a printed copy (available in all libraries) to share your thoughts of the proposals for the future of Devon libraries before the 22 February. If you can share this consultation with your family, friends and neighbours that is also incredibly helpful (we can provide you with printed copies to take away if you would like to share them with others who can’t make it in!). We would especially love more feedback from those who are 17 and under – there is a separate (shorter) survey for this group, available at the below link and as a printed copy. Share your thoughts here: https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is/
For more on what Sidmouth Library offers, the What’s On pages show very regular IT, Website and CV Help Sessions, for example. Plus, if you scroll down the page for Sidmouth Library @ Libraries Unlimited, there are all sorts of things being offered at neighbouring libraries too…
There’s lots on their social media pages telling us what’s on at the Library, for instance: Just one week to go until our next Home Ed Science Sessions:
And how about something more for youngsters, as some of you may remember the incredibly popular stopmotion animation workshop:
And finally, here’s an interesting course for grown-ups coming up – on Beyond Democracy:
Course tutor, Dr Kevin Walker, who has previously run courses on behalf of Learn Devon and the WEA (Workers Educational Association) said, “I am delighted to be able to use the library space to run this course when it would otherwise be closed. The community room is ideal for short presentations and round table discussion whilst the rest of the library can be used for small groups to chat privately about often controversial topics. This course will explore different visions of democracy and ask if any of them can survive the challenges of our times. All viewpoints are welcome; the only course requirement is the capacity to listen to others who see things differently.” Course starts Tuesday 10th MARCH 2026, from 2.30 to 4.30pm, for FIVE weekly sessions. Fee is £30. To reserve a place please book with the librarian or contact kevin.adult.ed@outlook.com
Have fun – and help the Library continue to be our community hub!
More next month…
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