Background and Research

Tell me about libraries

UK residents made 340 million visits to public libraries in 2004-5 – that’s 5.7 visits per person. In England there were 288 million visits.
That’s more people than go to football matches each year, or than visit the UK’s top 20 tourist attractions put together.
Around 47% of the UK adult population are registered with their library.
After a period of decline, visits to libraries are on the up. They hosted 22 million more visits in 2004-5 than they did in 2001-2, an increase of 7%.

Libraries are transforming their work with readers
They have reading groups for all ages - see www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk for a new national online readers group and a database of local groups
Most libraries now have their catalogues on-line, and offer 24/7 on-line and telephone reservations and renewals
Lots offer self service facilities for readers to borrow and return books. Some have out of hours drop off boxes
Libraries run fantastic reading schemes, like the massive children’s Summer

They connect you to the latest book buzz by running reading promotions - the Orange Prize, World Book Day, Richard and Judy’s book Club…