Easy booking system for conference space at Exeter Central Library

Published: 17 January 2024

An easy online booking system for over 100 quality meeting and conference spaces in libraries around Devon has been launched by Libraries Unlimited.

The charity, which runs libraries across the area, has developed a new platform which gives video tours and shows photos and floorplans of its popular bookable spaces.

Ranging in size from a conference venue for 90 to a small meeting room, customers can now get a clear idea of the layout and feel of all the spaces before simply booking and paying online.

Conference and meeting rooms are available in the heart of libraries in Exeter and at 19 other location across Devon and Torbay.

Steve Turner, Head of Commercial and Innovation with Libraries Unlimited, said: “It’s now easy to look at, choose and book our rooms, all online. From a single hot-desk to a 90-seat conference theatre, libraries in Devon and Torbay have quality work and meeting spaces for every need.”

“Our cost-effective rooms are popular because they all have free WiFi, they’re near public transport and parking, most are wheelchair accessible and some have their own on-site cafes.

“But our old booking system through individual libraries needed an upgrade. We’ve now transformed the whole process so anyone booking a room can do it all in an easy one-stop shop online.

“If they’ve never been before they can also take a video tour of the space and look at the floorplan so they can make sure it’s exactly right for them. We want to make it easier for our loyal customers, but also welcome new people to make the most of what we’re offering. Everyone gets a warm welcome in our libraries.”

The new booking system is grant funded through the Library On programme, managed by the British Library and supported by Arts Council England using public funds.

Libraries Unlimited has over 100 well-equipped rooms for meetings and conferences across 20 libraries in communities in Devon and Torbay. All have free WiFi. Some have on-site cafes, and catering is bookable for others.

There’s public parking and transport nearby, and they’re almost all wheelchair accessible and most are able to cater for other accessibility needs. Libraries staff are on hand to welcome customers, and some spaces can also be booked outside normal library hours.

The full list of libraries on the site is: Exeter, Cullompton, Barnstaple, Bideford, Brixham, Exmouth, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Ottery, Paignton, Sidmouth, South Molton, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Tiverton and Torquay.

The new booking system is available at Libraries Unlimited Meeting Room Hire: Home

For larger, more complex bookings and general enquiries, get in touch with our room hire team on 0333 2342123 or email: roomhire@librariesunlimited.org.uk.

Libraries in Devon and Torbay are run by Libraries Unlimited, an independent staff and community owned charity. Join up for free by filling in the online form at devonlibraries.org.uk