THOUSANDS more people have visited borough libraries this year, despite a common belief that libraries are on the decline.

A recent survey showed 22,958 people visited borough libraries in a single week in November – a four per cent increase on the previous year.

During that week, Stourbridge Library saw the biggest increase in its number of visitors - 24.2 per cent - followed by Cradley Library, which had an increase of 12.9 per cent.

In total, more than 1.1 million people visited libraries this year, which is an increase of 45,553 visitors compared with the previous year.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “This shows how much people use their libraries for access to information, borrowing books, reading and learning as well as a place to go for a multitude of events and activities.

“This increase is a result of all that all our libraries provide, the efforts of our staff and the extensive library stock, which includes the latest best sellers.”

To find out more about library services and activities go to www.dudley.gov.uk/libraries.