More using Camden's libraries after opening hours extended in Jan 2009

New, extended opening hours in Camden's libraries in 2009 resulted in a 6 per cent increase in the number of visitors.

Between January and December 2009 visitor numbers to Camden’s 15 library facilities totalled 2,235,037, with Swiss Cottage being the most popular with 512,735 visitors through the doors in just twelve months.

The number of items borrowed from libraries over the same period increased in line with visitor numbers, and 1,043,853 items were loaned to customers.

As the popularity of libraries and the services on offer continues to grow, over the next six months all libraries across Camden are set to undergo refurbishments and development as part of the £1.5m ‘Growing Your Library’ programme.

The next six months will see refurbishment in all our libraries as part of the programme to improve libraries that meet the needs of our residents, providing better, more efficient and sustainable services new equipment will be installed to allow access to other Council services and the ability to checkout items electronically.

In addition:

* The top three libraries in terms of visitor numbers were:

Swiss Cottage – 512,735
Kilburn – 236,950
Kentish Town – 233,494

* Between January – December 2009 there were 445,633 computer sessions within Camden libraries.

* Computers were in use within the libraries for 309,691 hours during the period, an equivalent to 35.3 years.

* £1.5m is being invested by the Council to refurbish and install RFID (self-service) equipment in all libraries and works will commence on a rolling basis from February 2010.

* Staff will still be on hand in libraries to assist residents.