The number of people using Dundee’s libraries has risen significantly in the past year.
Figures just published show that nearly 1.8 million people visited city libraries in 2015.
That is 29% more than in the previous year and has been described by a spokesman for Leisure and Culture Dundee, which runs the city’s libraries, as a “significant increase”.
Dundee Central Library was the busiest in Scotland in the past year, according to Judy Dobbie, head of library and information services at Leisure and Culture Dundee.
Judy said she was delighted with the figures, adding: “It is really good to know that so many visitors are enjoying and benefiting from library services across the city. We try to grab every opportunity to identify ways to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our broad customer base.
“Reading continues to be a popular leisure activity. As well as people borrowing actual books, we have seen a rise in ebook loans that can be downloaded free from our website.”
Judy said the libraries provide various other services for city residents and Dundee was the first library service to provide dedicated welfare reform support.
“We have people coming to the libraries to access help to apply for benefits and to look for employment,” she said.
We are also the first to incorporate 3D printing and now have a dedicated dementia library service.
“We also have a really wide range of services, from regular author events and family rhyme time sessions to free internet facilities, so there really is something for everyone.”
However, she said many visitors still just want to read books.