NORTH DEVON Library which champions wellbeing is award finalist

A NORTH Devon library's work to create a home-from-home for the community has seen it selected as a regional finalist for Library of the Year.

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Barnstaple Library has offered free weekly soup sessions

Barnstaple Library has been selected as a South West regional and country finalist in the competition.

It has become a vital hub for thousands of residents in one of Devon's most deprived areas. With around 170,000 annual visits and almost 700 events every year, the library is a space for connection, creativity and support.

The library team has responded to the cost-of-living crisis by reimagining the library as a home-from-home, introducing cosy seating, charging points, warm lighting and more. Staff have also secured external funding in excess of £50,000 to expand their community and wellbeing initiatives.