Libraries

Libraries across the East Midlands:

• provide safe, neutral, environments for people from all walks of life,
• support formal education and learning throughout people's lives,
• offer universal access to the internet.

There are over 348 static public library service points provided by local authorities, and 52 library vehicles in the region. Additionally, there is extensive library provision in the education, commercial and industrial sectors - for example, the region's nine universities operate 31 libraries. The net expenditure on the region's local authority library services is £53.6million, and university libraries spend in excess of £7million on materials.  

There are 2,217 public-access computer terminals (The People's Network) in 309 public libraries. The region's public libraries provide jobs for 1691.9 full-time equivalent workers.

National research shows that:

• more than 60% of the population hold a library ticket,
• more people visit libraries than go to cinemas or attend football matches.