Libraries welcome a million visitors a year

Lincolnshire County Council said the habits of library users had changed since the Covid-19 pandemic

Libraries across Lincolnshire welcomed a million visitors last year, according to the county council.

The authority said over two million items were borrowed from the service and more than 87,000 people attended activities such as story telling sessions, crafting and history groups.

The figures represent a 16% increase in visits compared to the previous 12 months.

Councillor Lindsey Cawrey, the executive member for culture, said: "It is so fantastic to see the popularity and the amazing positive feedback that we get from our library users."

The council said the majority of library loans were physical books but users were also able to access digital magazines, newspapers and audiobooks.

A dedicated smartphone app, launched in April 2023, has been used over 200,000 times by members to reserve and renew books and check stock.

Ms Cawrey added: "There’s a trend of visiting the library less often than before the pandemic, but they are taking out more items on each visit."

There are 15 core libraries in Lincolnshire in Boston, Bourne, Gainsborough, Grantham, Horncastle, Lincoln, Long Sutton, Louth, Mablethorpe, Market Rasen, Skegness, Sleaford, Spalding, Stamford and Woodhall Spa.

Users can also access seven mobile libraries and 34 hubs which are operated by community groups.

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