Libraries are an integral part of local communities, and attendees at this year's Festival of Libraries – the county-wide celebration of Greater Manchester's 133 libraries – staunchly agreed. From 10-14 June, Festival of Libraries returned to highlight the rich variety of resources that these creative, community hubs have to offer, with indicative data showing that more than 94,000 people attended events at libraries across the city region, an increase of 339% year-on-year. A staggering 98% of these attendees agreed that libraries are an essential community service.
Despite this, and the incredible turnout, around 37% of attendees still said they visit a library fewer than every few months and 11% admitted to visiting once a year or less. The feedback also found that 61% of visitors travelled under five miles to attend an event, with a fifth (21%) travelling on foot and 32% using public transport.
