A PUBLIC consultation on Devon County Council's proposals for its future library service is now underway. The 13 week consultation is exploring proposals to create a network of 22 'Devon Centres' at the county's busiest libraries, which include Tavistock and Okehampton. The county council wants to hear from local communities to identify how 28 of the smaller libraries, including those in Chagford, Moretonhampstead and Princetown, could be sustained in the future. A series of drop-in sessions are being held at libraries across the county between now and June 25, to give people an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals. The proposals are in response to the changing ways people are using libraries and budget reductions facing the council. The consultation will run until July 17, and a definitive set of proposals will go before the council's cabinet in September. Cllr Roger Croad, the county council's cabinet member with responsibility for the library service, said: 'Libraries are well-loved and highly valued by local communities, but we need to find the most sustainable way for them to continue in future. 'We all want a library service which provides a safe, welcoming space within our communities as well as providing access to high quality information and promoting a love of reading. 'We're keen to develop a set of proposals which ensure that libraries deliver the huge potential they can offer to support local needs. 'This consultation is an opportunity for people to give us their views and suggestions on how they would like these important services to continue while also reducing costs.' Information on the consultation is available at http://www.toughchoices.co.uk">www.toughchoices.co.uk as well as in libraries and through the mobile library service, and ideas and comments can be emailed to [email protected]">[email protected]