Library visits increased across Great Britain last year, but spending on services has barely moved while paid staffing levels declined, according to the latest annual library survey published today by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and Infoshare+.

The survey shows physical visits rose by 3.2% in 2024/25, increasing from 2,796 to 2,887 per 1,000 people. Web visits saw an even sharper rise of 10.4%, climbing from 2,216 to 2,475 per 1,000 people.

Despite this growth in public engagement, total library revenue expenditure increased by just 0.6%, rising from £18,319 per 1,000 people to £18,427 per 1,000 people. The figures suggest that libraries are serving more users without a corresponding increase in overall funding.

Library-generated income rose by 17.4%, from £1,161 to £1,405 per 1,000 people. This income includes specific grants, lettings, fees, electronic revenue and other receipts. However, it remains a relatively small proportion of total library funding compared to core expenditure.

Staffing data highlights further pressure within the system. While volunteer numbers increased by 5.7%, paid library employee numbers fell by 1.1%, from 4,975 to 4,922 per 1,000 people. The figures suggest libraries are increasingly reliant on volunteers as budgets remain constrained.

CIPFA Senior Policy Manager Joanne Pitt said:

“It is encouraging to see more people using library services, both online and in person. Libraries continue to play a vital role in communities across Great Britain.

“However, rising demand alongside a modest spending uplift and falling paid staff numbers presents real sustainability challenges. Libraries are delivering more with limited financial growth. “Volunteers provide invaluable support, but they are not a substitute for sustained investment in skilled staff and long-term funding certainty if services are to remain resilient.”

Steve Thorn, Exec Chair, Infoshare+ said:

“This year’s survey highlights the continued importance of libraries as trusted community spaces. The increase in both physical and online visits shows that demand for these services remains strong across Great Britain.

“At the same time, the data illustrates the growing pressure libraries are under, with demand rising faster than funding and staffing levels. Access to clear, consistent data and insights is critical to help authorities understand how services are used, where needs are changing, how limited resources can be directed most effectively, and how future service needs can be predicted.”

Indicators2023-242024-25% Change
Book Issue Per 1000 Population2,2982,163-6.2%
Physical Visit Per 1000 Population2,7962,8873.2%
Web Visit Per 1000 Population2,2162,47510.4%
Revenue Expenditure Per 1000 Population18,31918,4270.60%
Revenue Income Per 1000 Population1,1611,40517.40%
Volunteers per 1000 Population14,11514,9645.7%
Employees per 1000 Population4,9754,922-1.1%

Notes to Editor:

  • Read the full CIPFA and Infoshare+ 2024/2025 Library Survey.
  • The time period for the data covers the 2024/25 financial year.
  • CIPFA and Infoshare+’s annual library survey is sent to all local authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales. The figures for the 2022/23 financial year are based on a 48% response rate to the survey. As not all local authorities submit data every year, year-on-year comparisons are based on a matched cohort of authorities that returned data in both 2023/24 and 2024/25. This means the 2024/25 figures are calculated using a different cohort of authorities to those used in last year’s publication. As a result, the 2023/24 figures presented in this release may differ slightly from those published previously.
  • Figures have been presented as per 1,000 people to provide the most accurate data possible based on the survey response rate and to enable comparison to previous years. Averages are based on the authorities who submitted data to us both years; therefore, the 2024/25 figures will not match exactly the 2023/24 figures supplied last year.
  • Total revenue income for libraries includes specific grants, overdue charges, reservation fees, lettings, hire of audio and visual materials, electronic revenue, provision of library services to other local authorities, receipts from the public (e.g., photocopying), corporate income, and other miscellaneous sources. The total expenditure is how much was spent on libraries by central and local government.
  • For further enquiries, please contact the CIPFA Press Office press@cipfa.org

About Infoshare+:

Infoshare+ is a UK-based public sector partner offering innovative and responsible data and software solutions. The company’s team of experienced public sector experts are trusted by hundreds of organisations across local and central government, as well as health and emergency services. Infoshare+ focuses on empowering customers with software that enhances decision-making and helps them.

About CIPFA:

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is a global leader in public financial management, dedicated to improving public services and governance through innovative research and practical solutions.