Visits to libraries up

Merton?s Library services have released figures showing visitor numbers rose by almost a quarter over the last financial year 2000/2001.

Visits to Merton libraries were up by 23 per cent to 8.16 visits per person in the borough, compared to 7.98 in Sutton, 4.88 in Kingston and 3.62 in Lambeth.

Merton also received a high score of 86 per cent for user satisfaction in terms of finding information, compared to 75 per cent in Sutton, 65 per cent in Wandsworth and 69 percent in Lambeth.

The figures are part of Merton?s Best Value Review, designed to ensure residents receive the best service possible for the best value.

John Pateman, Head of Library Services, said: ?More visitors show the library service is becoming more relevant to our communities needs. We have been getting more people into the libraries through special events and increasing the amount of multi-media loan items. The Peoples Network, 112 computers for free public use, is coming soon and will encourage even more residents to visit libraries.

?Libraries change lives and we encourage everyone in the borough to take advantage of these valuable sources of community activities, fun and learning.?