Libraries booming in credit crunch
Jan 1 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal
THE credit crunch saw more than 10,000 new borrowers sign up for a library card this year. Newcastle’s book lenders saw record numbers flock into the city’s facilities – and said the economic slowdown was partly responsible.
They recorded a massive 33% rise in members, up 10,626, and also gave 4,000 children their first ever library card, a rise of 14% on last year.
And they said the opening of the new Newcastle City Library in 2009 would prompt new record numbers of borrowers to sign up.
Mary Butler, who is in charge of seven libraries in the West End of the city, said the credit crunch meant people were more likely to look for alternatives to buying.
She said: “I certainly think it will be an opportunity for us to increase the numbers that have been growing anyway this year.
“There’s been a lot of national publicity this year as it has been National Year of Reading and there have been a lot of things going on to engage people – events for children in schools and so on.
“We do all of that normally, but it’s been more coherent this year. As well as the emphasis in the media, we have opened new libraries which look smarter than they did.
“When the credit crunch starts to really hit people in the new year, it will be nice to be able to support people who like to read or who want to come in for the computers.”
David Fay, libraries manager for Newcastle City Council, said a combination of factors had contributed to the rising number of people joining the city’s libraries.
He said: “The figures have been rising through the year, so the credit crunch could have affected the last few months. The green agenda has also had an effect – people are very aware that borrowing is greener than buying.
“Nationally, there has been a big renewed interest in reading. Up here there are dozens and dozens of reading groups and at the moment we are rebranding the service.
“All the libraries that opened this year have got a new look or feel to them. They’re self-service so it opens up our staff to help customers more.
“The new libraries don’t have the old staid image.”
More than 4,000 children signed themselves up to their local library for the first time this year – 14% up on last year.
A total of 11 of the 18 city libraries showed increases in book and audio-visual issues, with overall issues up by 10% across the city.
Mr Fay said: “As well as a fantastic selection of books, there’s even more to modern libraries, and that’s why we think more and more people are joining up.”
New libraries have opened this year in Benwell, Gosforth and High Heaton, while the city’s first Library Express – a library which customers can use like a corner shop – was set up at Fawdon Community Centre.
The new Newcastle City Library is being built on the site of the former library on Princess Square and is due to open in June.
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