Popular libraries buck the trend

Date published: 18 May 2009

Bury’s libraries are bucking the trend as the number of books and other items borrowed continues to rise.

There has been an increase of nearly 12 per cent at Sedgley Park Community Library, eight per cent at Prestwich Library and Adult Learning Centre, and four per cent at Radcliffe and Unsworth Libraries.

Diana Sorrigan, assistant director (arts, libraries and adult learning), was delighted that the borough’s libraries are so well used.

“Staff have worked really hard to encourage a love of reading among our customers - for example they have set up 32 reading groups - and to tempt readers to try something new.”

There has also been a substantial increase in the use of Council Information Points which are based in all main libraries.

Staff help with a range of other Bury Council services, allowing customers to pay their Council Tax, get help with housing benefit forms, report problems, and order a bulky waste removal.

These “non-library” transactions have risen from 3,084 in 2005/6 to 8,624 in 2008/9, with (non-cash) payments received going up from £375,308 to £728,355.

For information on all library and adult learning services, see www.bury.gov.uk/libraries

Contact: Lesley Kelly 0161 253 7579 or Jane Barkess 0161 253 6142.