Details of the improvements that could turn Newton Abbot Library into a 'super library' if a £1.45 million lottery bid is successful have been revealed, writes Nigel Canham. The branch is the only one in the county singled out for such an ambitious approach to the Big Lottery Fund. According to Devon County Council an area at the rear of the building could become an integral part of the library to create flexible spaces for a range of community activities. The use of glass walls and the introduction of display and exhibition space, along with two new garden areas, will increase the feeling of space. At the same time the existing ground floor area will be reconfigured to improve access and activities for library users. The bid comes after last year's Improving Devon's Libraries public consultation in which 5,000 people said they supported greater flexibility and improved opening hours. The majority also fought plans to close the county's smaller libraries such as those in Shaldon, Ipplepen, Kingsteignton and Kingskerswell. The fight for Ipplepen has been lost but the struggle to maintain the others goes on and the county council has promised 'smaller scale, flexible refurbishments' at Kingskerswell and Kingsteignton if the lottery bid is approved. The councillor responsible for the county's libraries, Cllr Sheila Hobden, said of the development: 'This project aims to reflect this community's demand and the changing face of public libraries. 'We have a vision to create an imaginatively designed and innovative multi-use space in the heart of a modernised Newton Abbot Library. 'It will provide a much-needed intimate, quality venue in the town which will will link up to nearby satellite libraries through the use of IT. 'We hope to expand the number of local groups and associations, children, families, young people with disabilities, older people, adult learners and speakers of other languages that we can reach.' Newton Abbot North representative at County Hall, Cllr Anne Fry, said it would provide 'very welcomed extra facilities' for both the town and neighbouring parishes. The outcome of the lottery bid will be known in September.
