Stroud Library has posted record-breaking visitor numbers since relocating to the Five Valleys shopping centre.
Opening at the centre six months ago, it moved from its old location in Lansdown to a more central and accessible site, designed to meet the needs of people who use it.
The move has seen footfall up 53 per cent year on year. From April-June 2023 there were 17,362 visitors, but this figure rocketed up to 35,778 visitors from April-June 2024, with 815 new members.
Gloucestershire Libraries recently launched their annual review of the library strategy, to reflect on the achievements that have been made in 2023-24.
There was an 11% increase in footfall throughout the network of 32 libraries during the year. In 2022-23, there were 1,253,362 visitors to libraries, and this rose to 1,381,108 in 2023-24.
Other achievements include a new customer-friendly website and the launch of its very own summer challenge for children and families. It had the theme and focus of music and it saw more than 7,000 under-13s engage with the library service through reading and attending events.
One of the most successful areas has been the focus on climate change. There has been investment in books and materials, and a dedicated series of events and talks for all ages, covering all themes around the environment.
Gloucestershire Libraries released their ambitious five-year library strategy in 2023 which set out how services would continue to develop.
The full annual report, as well as the library strategy, can be viewed at: The Library Strategy | Gloucestershire Libraries (gloslibraries.uk)
Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for libraries, said: “Our library strategy set out the ambitions of the service over five years and I’m pleased to see the progress we have been making with so many wonderful achievements over the past year.
“I’m delighted so many people have been visiting our libraries to benefit from the wide ranges of free services on offer. Whilst the service is evolving, we’re committed to ensuring libraries remain at the heart of their communities.”
