The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has released its annual library survey this week, showcasing an encouraging uptick in library spending in Great Britain. The research reveals that total expenditure on libraries rose by 3% to £12,551 per 1,000 people during the financial year 2022/23, marking a positive shift in a trend of year-on-year decreases since 2018.

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This increase in library spending offers a glimmer of hope amid ongoing financial pressures driven by high inflation, which have been steadily increasing the operational costs of libraries across the nation. The survey highlights that income received by libraries also rose by 3% over the past financial year, providing some much-needed relief. Between 2021 and 2022, libraries received £916, which increased to £939 per 1,000 people in the past year.

Resurgence in in-person library visits and borrowing activity

One of the most notable findings in the CIPFA survey is the resurgence of in-person visits to libraries, which have surged by an impressive 71% since 2021. In that year, there were 1,215 in-person visits, and this figure jumped to 2,082 from 2022 to 2023. Moreover, the number of books borrowed from libraries increased by 24%, from 1,868 books in 2021 to 2,316 books per 1,000 people.

In contrast, the survey also noted a 26% decrease in web visits during the same period, with 1,703 web visits in 2022 to 2023, down from 2,302 the previous year.

Volunteering surges: a positive trend in library support

While staff levels have remained stable, the survey showed a significant recovery in the number of volunteers in libraries since 2021 and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteer numbers increased by an impressive 74% in the last financial year.

Commenting on the survey results, CIPFA CEO, Rob Whiteman, stated: “It’s encouraging to see service points and book issues increasing since the end of the pandemic, but while funding and income levels are slightly recovering, they still lag behind the rising demand for services. Libraries certainly require on-going support.”

Whiteman continued, “The fact that in-person visits and volunteers have dramatically recovered shows demand for library services is strong. Libraries are clearly valuable to the communities they serve. Sustained funding is crucial if they are to remain a vital part of the community.”

This CIPFA survey provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of library services in Great Britain, stressing the importance of continued support and funding to ensure that libraries remain integral to their communities.