Figures show children worst hit by library cuts

Official figures show more than 100 libraries closed last year, with campaigners warning that the heaviest impact is being made on the youngest readers

More than 100 branch libraries closed in the last year, according to official figures, with library campaigners warning that the cuts hurt children in big cities such as Birmingham and Sheffield the most.

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s annual survey of Great Britain’s libraries paints familiar picture: for the seventh year running, the number of branches and paid staff declined. There are now 3,745 branches remaining in England, Scotland and Wales, down by 105 since 2016, while the number of paid staff has declined by 5% compared with a year ago.

In Sheffield, the decline in children’s book loans over the last five years is calculated at 56%

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