Richmond residents’ top readers in London

Richmond libraries have come out top in London in the UK’s annual library survey, showing the local people are some of the most avid readers in the capital.

The survey, conducted by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, (CIPFA) aims to understand library service usership and investment across the country.

For the most recent annual figures (2018/19), Richmond upon Thames libraries have come out top in London for several categories including:

1. Number of book issues per 1,000 population - First in London
2. Number of reservations supplied within seven days - First in London
3. Number of requests for specific items - First in London
4. Number of online requests - First in London
5. Number of requests per 1,000 population - First in London

Cllr John Coombs, Lead Member for Libraries at Richmond Council, said:

"This is great news! We know that our libraries are well used by local people. Last year we loaned over one million books to local people and welcomed over 1,374,000 visitors."

"Making sure that libraries are relevant and current is very important and library staff work hard to ensure that a wide range of books and eBooks are always on offer and that local people can get easy access to the things they want to read."

"Despite huge cuts in Government funding and with libraries across the country being closed to help save the public purse, we are investing in our local library network, ensuring our libraries provide a wide range of relevant services and that they remain a vital part of each local community".

Find out more information about libraries and events in Richmond. 

Notes for editors

If you are a journalist and would like further information about this press release, contact Elinor Firth on 020 8487 5159.

Reference: P017/20