Libraries contributing to local economy

Libraries in Denbighshire are making a contribution to the high street economy of nearly three times their costs.
Councillors on the county’s cabinet heard today that Denbighshire’s library service was one of the top performers in Wales and was a big help to local businesses.
The overall cost of the service in 2018-19 was £1,549,135, working out at £2.94 per library visit.
A 2013 study in Wales calculated an average library user’s spend in local shops and cafes to be £8.07.
Denbighshire’s eight libraries and its mobile and home services had 401,234 physical visits to libraries, ranking it eight in Wales, 125,454 virtual visits to website coming sixth in Wales and had  356,050 items borrowed.
Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts who runs Ruthin’s post office said there was no doubt libraries made an important contribution to the local economy.
He said: “Our libraries in Denbighshire are a very important asset that we can all benefit from. They offer essential access and services to the early and rural communities that can benefit the local economy. As well as this the vital services they provide bring people into our town centres where money can be spent in local business, libraries are a key element to the well-being and health all generations, as well as making a hugely positive contribution to our communities.”
Cllr Tony Thomas, the cabinet member responsible for housing and communities said: “We’ve helped over 41,000 people with ICT and getting them online. We have also held the summer reading challenge for four to twelve year olds.
“Generally we are performing in the top in Wales. Our libraries had 4,400 activities with 51,000 people participating in that. Customer satisfaction is running at 96% so I think the libraries are providing very good service.”

By Shane Brennan – Local Democracy Reporter