600,000 visits at library services
HALTON’S libraries were visited 600,000 times during 2017 according to a local authority fact file.
The report, published by Halton Borough Council, said readers borrowed 120,000 books, downloaded 3,000 ebooks and spent 51,000 using computers as membership increased by 4,500.
It said staff provided 1,150 hours of learning activities and 1,000 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge.
The most popular children’s book of 2017 was The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, with 96 loans, while among adults the top read was Night School by Lee Child, which was taken out 176 times.
Halton Council published the figures alongside its draft library strategy for 2018-23, which is due to be approved or rejected at a session of the borough’s employment, learning and skills, and community policy and performance board on February 19.
Events that have already been launched or are due to be introduced in 2018 include adults’ read and relax groups, the Great North West Reads campaign, the expansion of the Wellbeing Wednesdays scheme, Halton’s third year of hosting ‘fun palaces’, plans to support the BBC Civilisations campaign which will examine the role of engineering in shaping Halton and the celebration of the Representation Of The People Act 2018, and initiatives for British Science Week, BBC Get Creative and Safer Internet Day.
In his foreword, Cllr Phil Harris (libraries) said: “We have a vibrant and modern library service in Halton and despite challenges over the past few years the service continues to thrive and expand in a complex landscape.
“We have made significant improvements to services including the introduction of a free ebook and digital magazines catalogue, the recent refurbishment and modernisation of
Widnes Library, and the nationally recognised Community Library Service – offering services to our older community and those living with dementia.
“Our library strategy is ambitious and reflects our commitment to continue to meet local and national needs.”
Runcorn and Widnes have four libraries.