Library volunteering on the rise
National survey finds significant growth in volunteer numbers
The number of people volunteering in libraries across the country has risen considerably over the past year according to a national survey.
The survey was carried out by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accounting (CIPFA). It found an overall increase in volunteer numbers of 22.3% between 2009/2010 to 2010/2011, compared to a 8% increase in the previous year. During the same period the number of paid staff decreased by 4.3%.
Library visitor numbers have also increased with at least five libararies - including Birmingham, newcastle and Croydon - receiving more than a million visitors each. The most popular library in the country was in Norwich which received almost one and a half million visitors.
Commenting on the results, a spokesperson for CIPFA said "Libraries are still popular community institutions, offering services and support beyond book lending. The increase in volunteers shows how libraries continue to be seen as much valued hubs for their communities."
For more information see the full report.
No surprise is it really?
I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that quite a number of local authority's in the past year have threatened to close some libraries unless volunteers don't take them over?
Maybe this also has something to do with the different services forward-thinking libraries now offer? Information Technology services, lending of more varied resources, community space for hire, classes, one-off events, etc.
It doesn't take much to work why that is out here in Dorset!!!!! closing of libraries = less staff, more volunteers keeping the extremely rural and needed service open.