The table shows the change in the number of static public libraries in England, grouped into bands by opening hours, over the last five years and, for context, the comparable figures for 1997-98. The same information for each of the 149 library authorities in England can be found in the Public Library Statistics published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Copies are held in the House of Commons Library.
Hours open per week 60+ 45-59 30-44 10-29 <10 1997-98 6 449 1,279 1,323 157 2000-01 19 469 1,206 1,331 130 2001-02 28 493 1,199 1,311 115 2002-03 42 598 1,168 1,240 91 2003-04 51 683 1,143 1,186 80 2004-05 69 727 1,139 1,106 96
I welcome the opening of Gloucestershire county council's two new libraries in Dursley and Longstevens.