Readers in Greenwich are visiting libraries more and more as September saw a record number of visitors to the borough libraries.

Visitors to the borough’s libraries topped 230,000 for the fifth month in a row – with big increases at West Greenwich, Woolwich, Charlton and even the prison libraries.

Stock issues were up 12 per cent across the borough as a whole – with children’s books up a massive 22 per cent.

Investment in stock, free WiFi, self-service facilities and the Greenwich One Card are proving effective in bringing people into libraries, according to the council, with us of library IT facilities increasing by 10 per cent.

Even adult non-fiction is up, bucking the national and London trend, seeing an increase of 14 per cent.

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Steve Hannen, Greenwich Leisure Limited’s head of service, said: “September has seen record visitor numbers whether that’s for accessing free WIFI, taking part in activities and events, doing homework or collecting their favourite read.”

“We are particularly proud of the 17 per cent increase in young people completing our summer reading challenge.”

Shukki, 9 years old from Nightingale School, said: “It was great because I got to read different books and took part in lots of fun activities.”

Councillor Denise Scott- McDonald, cabinet member for culture, creative industries and community wellbeing, said:“This is such a great achievement for our libraries in Greenwich.

“We are ensuring that our libraries meet the demands of the digital age through top class ICT provision and the introduction of advanced technologies such as tablets, high performance printers and scanners.

“We are committed to provide the best services possible for residents in Royal Greenwich and results like these show that we are breaking records.”