Libraries - we just love 'em

May 24 2007 By The Journal

Do you visit libraries and museums and, if not, why not? That is the question North-East families were asked as part of a national Taking Part survey, intended to get to the heart of what local services people really want.

The newly-published findings reveal that, of those questioned in the region, just under 45% had visited a library in the last year; 42.1% went to a museum and 4.8% used another sort of archive.

"The report will be a very useful tool," said Penny Wilkinson, chief executive of Museums, Libraries and Archives North-East (MLA).

"It allows us to focus on the key area of attracting more people into the wonderful museums, libraries and archives.

"It shows that people already realise these are fun, educational and inspirational places. However, we are keen to do more to ensure that we are providing the services members of the public really want."

She says such services have a key role to play in communities and the results will help shape future policy.

MLA figures show visits to the region's museums and libraries have risen over the past six years, due, suggests Ms Wilkinson, to the hard work of staff and extra Government and lottery funding.

• The Taking Part survey, the first of its kind, was commissioned by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; Department for Culture, Media and Sport; English Heritage; Arts Council England and Sport England.