2/2/2009 - Libraries help recession-hit Cumbrians turn over a new leaf

Cumbria's libraries have seen soaring membership levels since the global economic downturn.

According to Cumbria County Council's latest library membership figures, the number of people who joined the library service between September-December 2008 is up by more than a third (39%) on the same period in 2007. An extra 4,989 people joined the library in the three months - an amazing figure given that there are only around half a million people in the whole of the county. 

The increase in membership coincides with a countywide drive to encourage people to join their library as part of National Year of Reading, but could also be fuelled by more people looking to borrow books, CDs and DVDs rather than buying them.

It could also be driven by people joining to use library PCs and accessing information about jobs or money advice.

The library service has been shaping its stock to reflect economic times. Some credit crunch titles currently on offer include:

- Frugal Food by Delia Smith

- Grow your Own Eat Your Own by Bob Flowerdew

- Kitchen Gardener by Alan Titchmarsh

- Thrifty Ways for Modern Days by Martin Lewis

- Viva Vintage by Trudie Bamford

- Making Your Money Work for Your Future by Paul Lewis

- Get Out of Debt by Sarah Modlock

Cllr Barabara Cannon, Cumbria County Council's cabinet member responsible for adults and culture, said:

"These are difficult times and the county council is working hard to help people through the recession. Not only have we just proposed the lowest ever increase in council tax, but we are also developing an anti-poverty strategy which will help ensure that everything the council does takes into account how it will affect the poorest people in our communities. 

"The county's library service is a resource that there's for everyone to use and I am heartened to see that people are recognising this and joining up. The library service always tries to meet changing public tastes, demands and needs by shaping its stock accordingly, particularly now in these difficult economic times." 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332