Library hits record for book issues

Paraparaumu Library recorded its highest number of issues in March, 46,664, a 20 per cent increase on February and a 16 per cent increase over March 2005.

“While March is traditionally one of our busier months the previous record was 43, 348 in August 2005,” District Libraries Manager, Barbara Whitton said.

The trend in numbers of visitors to the Paraparaumu Library also continues upwards with the visitor count up 8 per cent on February and 9 per cent on March 2005 to 22,612.

“Information requests were also up 15% on March 05 and new borrowers registered are up a further 9 per cent on March last year.”

While Paraparaumu is the largest of the libraries it is not alone in recording increases in a number of areas. Otaki recorded a 12 per cent increase in visitor numbers and a 22 per cent increase in new borrowers over March last year and Waikanae showed a remarkable increase in information requests for the month.

District-wide for March 2006 the figures stand at 69,756 items issued, 44,457 visitors, 4446 information requests and 307 new borrowers.

“At a time when some people claim the role of libraries is decreasing in the age of Google and increased home internet connections, the kinds of figures we are recording show that, for many people of all ages, there is still no substitute for a good book,” Barbara Whitton said.

ENDS

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