‘Clearly, islanders love and need their library’
Guille-Alles Library saw a significant rise in usage last year, its annual report has revealed.
The library saw footfall of more than 161,900, which is 6.5% higher than in 2022 and 8% above the five-year average before the pandemic, and higher than 2019 which was the first year of its new children’s library.
‘2023 has been an exceptionally busy year for the library looking back, it’s amazing to think how much has been achieved,’ said chief librarian Cornelia James.
‘At the beginning of the year the high footfall was driven in part by the tail end of our successful Boundless Curiosity exhibition, which attracted more than 8,500 visitors to celebrate the library’s 140th anniversary and discover its fascinating history.
‘But things got even busier in the summer.
‘More than 16,000 people came through the doors in August alone, the highest monthly figure for over a decade.’
Book loans rose by 9%, totalling more than 176,500, and membership now exceeds 18,500 which is an increase of 27% over the last five years. These numbers are 22% higher than the UK average per head of population.
Sign-ups for the summer reading challenge smashed the previous record by 15%, with more than 2,000 children taking part.
In the annual customer survey, the library’s net promoter score (a metric for measuring customer satisfaction) was 84.8, which is four points higher than last year and firmly in the ‘world class’ category.
‘Clearly, the people of Guernsey love their library, and they need their library,’ said Mrs James.
‘I am very lucky to have an incredible team of skilled and passionate staff, who I know will always strive to meet that need, and to deliver the library service that this community deserves.
‘I would like to thank them all for their hard work this year.’
The library’s goals for 2024 include the launch of a new app, which will allow users to search collections, renew loans, browse events and borrow and return books all on their devices.
Following a cash donation from Dougie’s Grant, its public computers will be upgraded to enhance the experience for islanders who rely on the service.
The Roswell Rooms on the second floor will be converted into a new learning and development suite, which will be available for hire for meetings, classes and training days.
The library will again host events for the Guernsey Literary Festival and another summer reading challenge.
