William Eichler 07 July 2023

Public libraries generate £3.4bn a year, study finds

Public libraries generate £3.4bn a year, study finds image
Image: Kateryna Onyshchuk / Shutterstock.com.

England’s public libraries generate at least £3.4bn each year, a landmark new analysis has revealed.

Carried out by economists from the University of East Anglia (UEA), the researchers estimated that a branch library typically provides £1m in value annually.

The researchers then extrapolated the findings to all of England’s 3,000 libraries, giving a national total of £3.4bn.

Published in a new report titled Libraries for living, and for living better, the research concluded that this represents a return on investment of at least six times cost.

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, commented: ‘For the first time, we have rigorous academic analysis the demonstrates the far-reaching economic and social impact of libraries.

‘This innovative research by UEA should be a game-changer for public libraries and how they are viewed by local and national decision-makers. The evidence is clear: investing in libraries brings huge returns for local communities and the public purse.’

Luke Burton, director Libraries, Arts Council England said: ‘We’re keen to fund projects like this to add to the growing research demonstrating the value and impact of libraries in communities and across society.

‘Rigorous independent research like this is critical in speaking a language that is understood outside the sector. We hope it can help make the case to potential partners and funders locally, regionally, and nationally to support libraries in improving the lives of people in the communities they serve and shine a light on the services modern library services provide.’

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner