Record Year For Wandsworth Libraries
Topping all London boroughs with nearly 1.5 million books issued
Above: Tooting Library
Last year was another record year for Wandsworth libraries network, with the largest number of issues in the capital - 1,432,685.
The statistics from public service accountancy body CIPFA show that in 2015/2016 the top three libraries for adult and children loans were Balham library (231,096), Tooting
(224,939) and Putney (207,210).
The day management of the borough's libraries was outsourced in 2013 by Wandsworth Council to charitable social enterprise GLL, the country’s largest public libraries provider.
Leisure and Culture spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook welcomed the latest statistics,
“More than 1.4million issues is an incredible result and the highest in all of London. It shows how valuable our library network really is and how it is flourishing thanks to our partnership with GLL.
“The most important thing any council can do to move up the book lending chart is keep libraries open. Sadly many authorities are closing branches down but here in Wandsworth our network has been preserved and we are building new, state-of-the-art libraries for the next generation. The savings and service improvements we make though working with GLL help to make this possible.”
GLL’s Head of Libraries Diana Edmonds said, “These new library figures are testament to the difference our social enterprise model brings to delivering services for the community. GLL works really hard to improve the libraries that it manages. We focus on providing attractive and welcoming library buildings and interiors, on providing a great stock of books relevant to the communities we serve, on a really good IT offer and on providing a full programme of activities for all ages.
“Having well-trained library staff who are knowledgeable, innovative and courteous is key to our success and we acknowledge the contribution their hard work has on achieving these results.”
Work has now started on a new Wandsworth Town library on Garratt Lane and the Council is also developing plans to replace another two existing branches, York Gardens and Roehampton, with new state of the art buildings offering a wide range of modern services.
There has also been investment in new e-resources and software, with new systems to help people get the latest books as quickly and easily as possible. Link-ups with other organisations including Citizens Advice Wandsworth have enabled people to access other public services in their local branch.
This year’s Wandsworth Library visitors have included Business Minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe on National Libraries Day and Ed Vaizey MP, former Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy, launching a national project to help first time IT users span the digital divide.
* statistics from public service accountancy body CIPFA 2015/2016
Library/Section |
Adult Book issues Totals 2015-16 |
Children’s Book Issues Totals 2015-16 |
TOTAL |
Balham |
110156 |
120940 |
231096 |
Battersea |
93173 |
49216 |
142389 |
Battersea Park |
19825 |
33590 |
53415 |
Earlsfield |
25320 |
47822 |
73142 |
Northcote |
19537 |
64831 |
84368 |
Putney |
113354 |
93856 |
207210 |
Roehampton |
17732 |
29288 |
47020 |
Southfields |
50779 |
117014 |
167793 |
Tooting |
121105 |
103834 |
224939 |
Wandsworth Town |
65703 |
57886 |
123589 |
York |
4986 |
13277 |
18263 |
Home Delivery Service |
51141 |
543 |
51684 |
CALL – telephone renewals |
1845 |
406 |
2251 |
VIEW – online renewals |
4243 |
1267 |
5510 |
RES – staff office issue |
15 |
1 |
16 |
Totals |
698914 |
733771 |
1432685 |
December 28, 2016