More readers head to libraries Membership numbers on the up
A number of libraries in Perth and Kinross have seen an increase in membership over the last 12 months.
Since libraries across the region moved from being part of the local authority to Culture Perth and Kinross in April 2016, a number have seen their membership and people coming to use their services on the up.
Numbers at AK Bell Library in Perth have gone up by 4.94 per cent in the past year, with a rise of 5.93 per cent at the North Inch Community Campus in the Fair City.
One of the biggest increases was a rise of nine per cent at Pitlochry Library in Highland Perthshire as well.
The number of people using mobile libraries in the more rural parts of Perth and Kinross has also increased.
The findings were presented to councillors at a meeting of the lifelong learning committee last week, which was held at the Community School of Auchterarder for the first time.
However, at the meeting it was also reported that a number of smaller libraries in the region, mainly those with only one member of staff, saw their numbers drop in this same period of time.
Two particular libraries which were identified at the meeting were in Coupar Angus and Comrie.
Fiona Robertson, head of culture and public service reform at Perth and Kinross Council, said: “The library service is a strong service and well regarded across Scotland.
“It has been successful in the past five years as membership has gone up by 35 per cent.
“To give a sense of the scale, over half a million items have been borrowed to over 80,000 members.”
A number of areas on how best to Vice-convener Cllr Willie Wilson, convener Cllr Caroline Shiers and vice-convener Cllr Roz McCall at the Community School of Auchterarder
improve the library offerings across the region were suggested in the report, which Ms Robertson said was key to giving a long-term direction for the library service, adding although there are successes the council cannot be complacent.
The report highlighted how data needs to be gathered about the “positive impact” libraries can have moving forward, adding these results need to be passed onto the public.
The report also suggested the 66 staff employed in Perth and Kinross’ libraries be given more training and development to make sure that they are able to respond to the everchanging environment.
At the meeting, Cllr Angus Forbes also praised the libraries’ use of e-lending, which sees members The PKC committee meeting was held at the Community School of Aucterarder for the first time
downloading digital copies of books onto their devices, as his constituents in the Carse of Gowrie do not have access to a library.
He also asked if more can be done to make sure people were aware of this successful service.
The report concluded: “In its first year and a half Culture Perth and Kinross has delivered a good quality library service for people and communities in the local authority area and has introduced some key improvements and innovations.”
The paper was noted by the elected members at the Auchterarder school unanimously, and a further update will be provided next year.