24/1/2012 - Christmas week opening proves success for libraries

New figures show that libraries across Cumbria had a Christmas to remember last month.

In the three days (28, 29 and 30 December) they opened between Christmas and New Year libraries in Carlisle, Penrith and Kendal were inundated with more than 5,000 customers enquiring about books, DVDs, public computer use and many other services despite reduced opening hours of between two and six hours.

Carlisle library had 2,633 visitors, Kendal 1,558, and Penrith 822 on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between Christmas and New Year. A comparison with the three weekdays before Christmas, with normal opening hours, shows that the three libraries had 3,110, 2,104, and 913 visitors respectively.

Other than these three, all of Cumbria’s libraries were closed during the festive period. For Christmas 2010, only Carlisle library was open.

Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong, Cabinet member for the library service, said: “This is the first time we’ve so many libraries open during the Christmas week and these figures show it was really worth it. We'll be looking at ways to build on this success for Christmas 2012.

“Although the weather wasn’t great it didn't deter people venturing out and the high number of visitors was a clear indication of how much the local communities value their library service.”

Media enquiries to communications adviser Chris Little on 01228 226685.