Julia Horton writes in The Herald about a noticeable increase in the number of library users in the UK, particularly in Scotland.Glasgow recorded a rise in library usage of 12% this December 2008 compared to the previous year. Edinburgh, too, has noted a percentage rise and "could reasonably expect the trend to continue upwards". US libraries are reporting attendance increase of up to 65%.
Many of those going to the libraries are those who have lost their jobs. They go to public libraries to use the PC facilities to fill up CVs, surf the internet and scan for jobs. Others are those watching their finances and borrowing rather than buying books.
Ironically, in the past decade many local authorities considered shutting some branches or scaling down library hours unable to compete with a market flooded with cheap books from bargain outlets and the internet.
The most popular books borrowed from Glasgow libraries are:
Martina Cole: The Business
Ian Rankin: Doors Open
Ian Rankin: Exit Music
James Patterson: Cross Country
James Patterson: Step on a Crack
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