FOOTFALL across Glasgow's libraries has seen an overall decline from 2015 to 2019 according to new figures.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that 2015 saw 5,076,771 visits to the local library compared to 4,780,031 in 2019.

This was however, a three per cent increase from the year before which saw 4,633,288 library visits with 5,088,418 and 5,045,552 visits in 2017 and 2016 respectively.

Reasons behind this could be because the way people use their libraries is changing. Some will also offer a variety of services which appeal to the public.

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Barmulloch Community Hub, at Wallacewell Quadrant which includes a library, saw an increase in numbers from 93,566 in 2015 to 122,834 in 2019.

The centre offers an integrated provision where users can benefit from both facilities and allows the library to offer provision to a larger audience, utilising the available space of the community centre. The number of people who visited the library alone in 2015 sat at 52,945. 

The Mitchell Library also saw a rise in attendees from 492,887 in 2015 to 526,064 in 2019. As part of Glasgow Libraries’ information strategy, The Mitchell has continued to develop its information offer in recent years.

This has included a successful partnership with Google, which brought its Google Digital Garage to Glasgow for the first time in 2018, and the opening of Scotland’s first Business Intellectual Property Centre in partnership with the British Library in 2019.

Significant refurbishment works at Castlemilk, Cardonald and Partick libraries during 2018 and 2019 also impacted on visitor numbers for those years.

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A spokesman for Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow Libraries attracted 4.78m visitors in 2019, which included more than 1m virtual visits, reflecting a 3.2 per cent increase year-on-year. Glasgow is home to Scotland’s largest public library service.

“The way in which people interact with their local library has changed significantly over the past decade, largely as a result of emerging digital technologies.

“Recognising this, and responding to a national decline in traditional library use, Glasgow Life published a comprehensive Vision for Glasgow Libraries in 2015 – following detailed research and consultation with more than 3,000 people – which has ensured the city’s vital, life-changing library network remains integral to the needs of the people of Glasgow and will deliver a modern, vibrant and community-focused service for years to come."

So far this has included the roll out of free wi-fi and PC access, the introduction of self-service facilities and a more responsive design to Glasgow Life’s online catalogue and website.

Other steps include the co-location of essential services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, development of an information strategy and further development of long-standing health partnership with Macmillan cancer support, which is now available across all Glasgow Libraries.

Glasgow Libraries offers a range of learning and development opportunities, such as digital learning classes and a bookbug event.

The spokesman continued: “Glasgow Life remains committed to developing and delivering world-class library and information services and inspiring a love of reading, learning and discovery city-wide.”