Cheshire East is celebrating once again taking the top spot in a national survey of library services.

A survey by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has found that the council is the top unitary authority for the number of library books loaned per 1,000 people (4,876).

The council’s libraries enjoyed similar success in 2017

The CIPFA survey also revealed that the council is number one in the North West and fifth in the whole of the UK.  

Cheshire East has 17 libraries, including a mobile library, and collectively loaned 1.84 million items during the 2018/19 period.

The service also ranks highly for the number of volunteers (229) it employs.

‘The findings in this survey are outstanding and I am extremely proud of the library service and our staff who go that extra mile to ensure that borrowers and members receive a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile experience,’ said Cllr Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for health.

This success has been achieved in a challenging financial context.

According to a recent analysis of council spending by the County Councils Network (CCN), council spending on cultural resources such as museums, libraries, and the arts has been reduced by almost £400m over the last eight years.

Joanne Shannon, the borough’s library services manager, commented: ‘To be the most successful in the whole of the North West and out of all the 55 unitary authorities, is a tremendous achievement for us and I am extremely proud of Cheshire East libraries and the service we deliver to our residents and members.’