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Libraries booked up
• IT’S a pity the Camden New Journal chose to overlook the fact that Camden’s libraries are flourishing and are the top three most visited in the country per 1,000 residents (It’s a turn up for the books as libraries see borrowing slump, (March 6).
Of course we want the two million people that visit our libraries every year to borrow our books – we’ve spent £540,000 on new books this year to encourage them.
The council has also invested over £4 million refurbishing and improving access in the last two years, which has increased the number of visits. For example, since the new Kilburn library opened on Kilburn High Road, visitors have increased to 250,000 each year compared to 29,000 in 2005. A further £300,000 is being spent on regular Sunday opening at Swiss Cottage starting April 6.
The reality is that more than half of our visitors come to use other services, reflecting how libraries are adapting. They are becoming hubs for the whole community, whether people want to borrow a book, CD or DVD, use the internet, take part in a children’s event or use one of the many other services.
CLLR FLICK REA
Executive Member for Culture
Camden Council
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