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There was an 11 per cent increase in footfall throughout the network of 32 libraries during the year. In 2022-23, there were 1,253,362 visitors to libraries, and this rose to 1,381,108 in 2023-24.
Other achievements include a new customer-friendly website and the launch of its very own summer challenge for children and families. It had the theme and focus of music and it saw more than 7,000 under-13s engage with the library service through reading and attending events.
One of the most successful areas has been the focus on climate change. There has been investment in books and materials, and a dedicated series of events and talks for all ages, covering all themes around the environment.
A new initiative called ‘The Library of Things’ was also successfully launched at Charlton Kings Library. Items which are not often used, such as pressure washers, drills, gazebos and more, are available to borrow and more than 195 items have been made available so far, helping people to save money as well as storage space. It has led to an annual saving of 75 tonnes of carbon and a saving to the local community of up to £23,230 in the first year.
During 2023-24 Stroud Library was relocated to a more central and accessible site at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre. The move saw record-breaking visitor numbers, with footfall up 53 per cent year on year. From April-June 2023 there were 17,362 visitors, but this figure rocketed up to 35,778 visitors from April-June 2024, with 815 new members.
Oakley in Cheltenham also opened its doors to a new Immersive Storytelling Centre, funded by the Arts Council, which focuses on digital engagement with the local community. There were also refurbishments at Longlevens and Bishops Cleeve libraries.
Gloucestershire Libraries released their ambitious five-year library strategy in 2023 which set out how services would continue to develop.
