Norfolk library is UK's most visited

Norfolk and Norwich Millennium library is the country’s most visited, according to CIPFA’s latest annual survey of library use. It had 1.5m visitors in 2009/10, issuing 1.15m books and other items.

The survey also found a 7.7% increase in volunteering at libraries to a total of 17,111 people, but the number of library staff dropped by 3.4% to 24,765.

Chris Greene, CIPFA’s head of research and statistics, said: ‘Norwich and Norfolk’s fantastic achievement shows that modern libraries are as relevant to their communities as ever.

‘In the light of the Big Society agenda, it is also interesting to note the significant rise in the level of volunteering.’

But Museums, Libraries and Archives chief executive Roy Clare warned: ‘With local councils facing spending reductions of over 20% these statistics represent the calm before the storm.’