Our Charity
Our Charity
Created in 2016, Libraries Unlimited is the charity which runs the public library service in Devon and Torbay. We are a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, commissioned by Devon County Council and Torbay Council, and drawing extra support from a variety of funders, partners and collaborators.
Libraries Unlimited is a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) delivering an imaginative programme of events and artworks in partnership with local artists and communities and funded by Arts Council England and Exeter City Council.
Since our inception we’ve proven to be a ground-breaking model for running libraries in the UK, bringing ideas, imagination, creativity and knowledge to enrich people’s lives and build thriving communities.
Charity Objectives
The objectives of Libraries Unlimited, as an independent charity, centre around empowering individuals and communities by promoting access to information, culture, and learning opportunities.
These objectives reflect Libraries Unlimited's mission to create resilient, informed, and connected communities through the transformative power of libraries.
Specifically, our key objectives include:
Impact
Our libraries are so much more than books – they are dynamic and active, supporting their local communities in as many ways as possible, whether through baby weigh facilities, work clubs or knit and natter groups – we’re here, and we’re free to all.
With your support, we tackle many fundamental issues that our communities face today, including educational and social inequalities, skills gaps, and loneliness and isolation. With the cost-of-living crisis still affecting so many across Devon and Torbay, our work is more vital than ever.
FAQs
It is important to us that you feel well informed about Libraries Unlimited. We have answered lots of your questions so far and will update this page regularly.
Libraries Unlimited is owned by its staff and by communities. A mutual enables greater involvement of and accountability to those who benefit from the service, retaining community focus and social value at its core.
Alex Kittow is the Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited. A Board of Trustees sets, guides and oversees the strategic direction of the organisation, with Marie Chadwick leading as the Chair of Trustees. The Chief Executive and the management team are responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation and its services.
Libraries Unlimited is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Our registered charity number is 1170092.
Libraries Unlimited provides library services under contract to local authorities which provides for the majority of its funding but, as an independent charity, it also free to generate income in other ways. This could be by applying for grants and encouraging philanthropy, as well as adding to and developing the paid services offered by the library service.
Libraries Unlimited is a not-for-profit organisation which works for community benefit. Any surplus income generated is reinvested into the organisation and its services.
Collaboration is vital to success. Libraries Unlimited works closely with Friends Groups and local communities, so they have a say and get involved in helping run their local library and the organisation as a whole.
