Spending on British libraries falls 17% as in-person visits soar

Official figures show 9,982 was spent per 1,000 people on libraries by central and local government in England, Scotland and Wales last year, down from 11,970 the year before

Spending on libraries in Britain has fallen by 17%, according to new statistics, despite in-person visits increasing by 68% since the pandemic.

Figures released by CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, show that in 2021/22 9,982 was spent per 1,000 people on libraries by central and local government in England, Scotland and Wales. This was down from 11,970 in 2020/21 and 12,646 in 2018/19.