Friday, June 04, 2010

Wales Out-Reads Rest of U.K.

At least that's what recently released statistics about U.K. library visits seem to say. According to the numbers (as noted at Wales Online) total library visits are down or stagnant everywhere in the U.K. except for Wales:
In total, across Wales there were almost 14 million visits to Welsh libraries, an increase of 3.7% on the previous year, according to the figures released by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

This compares with a year-on-year decrease of visits to English libraries of 1.4%, a decrease of 4.1% in Northern Ireland and a tiny increase of 0.4% in Scotland.
I'm a little surprised that library visits would be down anywhere these days considering how terrible the world economy is. Where else can so much great free stuff be found? I say free but, of course, it's all paid for with your tax dollars - so support your local libraries before our misguided politicians decide they should be cut back in favor of another stupid government giveaway program.

Take a look at the very cleverly designed Central Library in Cardiff. The outside of the building is meant to look like a set of bookshelves:

3 comments:

  1. There's a Welsh guy in one of my book groups, plus my old book buddy Pablo from the other university I worked at two years ago is Welsh as well! Here's to ya, guys!

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  2. I think it's crazy library visits would be down anywhere too! I always think libraries are so magical w/ all of those 'free' services. :D

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  3. I agree, Eva, and really need to get back to my county library soon. I've been so busy lately that my only library books have been the ebooks I download from home...just not the same experience at all.

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