THE Friends of Crediton Library holds its Annual General Meeting on Monday, February 24, starting at 2pm at Crediton Library. All library users and members of the community are welcome to attend.

The meeting will begin with a short discussion on the topic “Is it still about books? - developing Crediton Library’s role in our community”.

It is nearly four years since Devon Libraries has been run by the charity Libraries Unlimited South West, rather than being directly run by Devon County Council.

The 50 local libraries and four mobile libraries remain dependent on the county council for most of their funding, but as with other public services, libraries have been subject to cost-cutting measures.

Other sources of income, such as grants and donations, now make up an increasing part of the charity’s revenue, in addition to special events and income from room hire.

Most of the 50 libraries around the county have their own Friends group.

These play an important role in supporting library-run events, as well as co-ordinating their own events to extend the library’s role, for example as a lecture theatre, social meeting-place, or activities centre.

They also raise funds for special projects for their local library such as the Crediton Library Community Garden project.

Friends groups are being asked to come up with new ideas for events they can help deliver locally. Film clubs, discussion groups and even over-night stays have been mooted.