“Many council-owned libraries have experienced an increase of more than 600 per cent in new registered members since the Government’s mandated lockdown."
Responding to Arts Council England libraries funding, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:
“Many council-owned libraries have experienced an increase of more than 600 per cent in new registered members since the Government’s mandated lockdown.
“Arts Council England have once again demonstrated that they are listening to our calls and this funding will help local libraries to improve the services they offer to their communities.
“Libraries estimate that they will need around £5 million to fully meet the increased demand they face.
“As they are playing such an important role in improving people’s mental health, it is therefore important that publishers continue to work with councils and the Government to improve access to all library resources.”
Notes to editors
LGA press release: ‘600 percent boom in online library memberships in some areas since coronavirus lockdown’