WORCESTERSHIRE is the best place in the UK when it comes to people using their local library.
An increase in almost 60,000 visitors to the 21 libraries across the six districts means it occupies the top spot for the highest number of visitors per 1,000 residents in the whole country.
The annual results, released by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), show an increase in visits of 57,538 – from 2,770,023 in 2015/16 to 2,827,561 in 2016/17.
Worcestershire also ranked in the top 20 for the number of volunteers, with 406 people playing pivotal roles in ensuring library services continue to run smoothly.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Localism and Communities, said: “These results are outstanding and a real reflection of the commitment and energy given by the Library Services Team to make our libraries such a success.
“Our libraries have so much to offer residents, businesses and visitors to the county from free books, to courses in creative writing and booking a holiday online.
“I would urge anyone who isn’t yet a member to join and make the most of what is on offer.”
By comparison, the West Midlands as a whole saw a decrease in visits by 1.5 per cent and across England, the visitor numbers dropped by 3.1 per cent.
