WELSH local authorities have seen one of the UK’s largest percentage increases of income from its libraries, according to the latest library survey from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

Welsh libraries experienced a year-on-year increase of 18.5 per cent in their total income, higher than anywhere else in the UK apart from Northern Ireland.

The country was also the only area in the UK to have an increase in the number of libraries going from 307 to 308.

However, Wales has had one of the largest reductions of visitors to its libraries, with a 3.3 per cent drop from the previous year.

CIPA’s chief executive Rob Whiteman said: “The landscape for local libraries in the UK is changing rapidly. While local authorities are continuing to seek new ways to make sure libraries can continue to act as a vital part of our communities, the statistics show that there is significant pressure on library services across pretty much every area of the UK.

“Despite the decline of libraries, borrowers and books, the growth in volunteers show that many local councils are committed to ensuring that their libraries explore new ways of keeping the doors open and engaging with their communities.”