New data published this month revealed that library users are saving an average of £1,472.79 per year by utilising services such as book loans, digital resources, and free Wi-Fi or hot-desking spaces, showing that libraries don’t just enrich lives - they deliver real financial benefits.

Why are libraries so important?

Libraries are one of the most powerful, undervalued public services we have. And their importance stretches far beyond book borrowing. 

For many families, libraries are the only place children can discover books beyond the classroom. Crosby Library in Liverpool was certainly the starting point of my love of books. Don't forget that in many cases a child’s chance of falling in love with reading often hinges on whether they have books at home.

According to the National Literacy Trust in 2024, about 9.8% of children aged 5–18 reported not having a book of their own, equating to almost 1 in 10.

Among younger children (ages 5–8), the data is more worrying: 13.3% - or 1 in 8 - did not own a book.

And libraries level that playing field.

With free Wi-Fi, computers, and e-resources, libraries are a lifeline for people who can’t afford broadband or devices. They're vital for job hunting, homework, and staying connected for those that don't have adequate space, quiet or tech at home.

Libraries foster reading for pleasure, proven to be the biggest single driver of children’s future academic success. And they support lifelong learning, from storytimes and homework clubs to adult literacy classes, and skills training.

Libraries are safe, inclusive, non-judgemental spaces open to everyone. They tackle loneliness and isolation with groups, events, and welcoming spaces. They promote mental health and wellbeing by offering calm environments and resources for personal growth. We need to cherish our libraries and librarians especially when we consider that it has been stated that every £1 invested in libraries is estimated to deliver £5–7 in social value through improved literacy, employability, health, and community cohesion.

What does the new data about libraries state?

The data from Better Libraries translates into tens of millions in collective savings across the UK. With hot-desking alternatives like coffee shops and co-working spaces averaging £4.50 an hour, Better’s free Wi-Fi access represents significant value for people working remotely or studying, helping users save £832 a year when hot-desking.

Physical book borrowing alone saves users around £230 annually, based on Better Libraries users borrowing on average 23 books per person per year.  Whilst digital access via eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines adds another £411 in savings on average.

This represents just a fraction of the overall value libraries provide. Beyond measurable savings, they offer free events, study spaces, access to technology, and vital community support. Benefits that are harder to quantify but deeply impactful. As living costs rise, libraries are proving to be not just cultural spaces, but essential community assets delivering meaningful relief in every sense of the word.

Are libraries valued?

The supporting survey reveals that 96% of Brits agree that libraries have a positive impact on society, with 42% pinpointing their biggest value as encouraging children to read. Other top benefits include providing free access to learning and information (40%), quiet spaces to work or study (38%), and offering a warm, safe environment (25%).

The study of 2,000 UK adults reveals the wide-ranging social, emotional, and financial value of libraries in communities, encompassing everything from helping people find employment and connect socially to learning new skills and supporting parents.

The survey found that, despite common assumptions that library use is declining, half of UK adults report having visited a library within the past year, including 1 in 10 who have used one in the last week, demonstrating the enduring relevance of these spaces.

To understand just how integrated libraries are in everyday life, Better explored how people of all ages are using these community hubs. The research uncovered the hidden ways libraries are transforming lives.

- Almost one in five (18%) say their local library has helped reduce loneliness, rising to 22% among those over 55.

- 15% say they’ve made a new friend in a library, with this figure rising sharply to 32% among 25–34-year-olds.

- A further 1 in 10 say they’ve found emotional support or a sense of belonging, rising to 23% in the millennial age group.

- 13% saying they’ve learnt a new skill at the library, such as coding, crafting, or a new language

- 7% say they found a job or got a promotion with library support. A further 7% started a business or side hustle using library resources, and 7% also reported using the space for business meetings or finding a client/partner there.

While libraries offer a wide variety of services, books continue to a crucial role in people’s well-being. In the past year alone, 35% say reading helped reduce stress or anxiety, 25% say it helped them sleep better, 17% say it got them through a difficult time, and 16% say books helped them feel less lonely.

Their financial and community value means libraries now rival parks and green spaces in importance. When asked to rank public services, libraries came second only to public parks, ahead of playgrounds, youth centres, museums, and sports fields.

They also influence major life decisions: 34% say a nearby library makes an area more desirable, beating the number who said the same about a good local school (28%). Among young adults aged 25–34, 21% say a library helped support them during a house move or transition to a new area.

Rebecca Gediking, Better's Head of Libraries, said:

“This research shows just how deeply embedded libraries are in modern life. From helping someone land a job to supporting parents, reducing isolation, or simply offering a safe space to learn, their impact is huge. We see first-hand how libraries uplift communities, and it’s clear from this study that the public feels the same. With more investment, libraries could do even more to support Britain’s wellbeing, economy, and sense of community.”

A Reminder of our Mission at LoveReading

Whilst we are an online bookstore here at LoveReading, our mission is to help people fall in love with reading. To help them fall in love with books. Because reading matters. And books change lives.

We adore our libraries. Cherish them. Most of us fell in love with books in our local library. Including little me. Engines of literacy, ladders of opportunity, community anchors, and cultural gateways. They don’t just loan books, they too change lives, save public money, and create connected communities. Long live our libraries.

And when you're looking to buy books, and not just loan them, we're here for you. One of the UK’s leading book recommendation brands: LoveReading is here day in day out, all year round - reading, reviewing and shouting about books right across the genres.

Since 2005 families across the nation have relied on us to help them find their next favourite book. And as an online bookstore with social purchase, you can buy from our bookstores and purchase with purpose. Knowing that 25% of your spend can be donated to a school close to your heart, or 10% donated to schools in need. Shop with LoveReading and help create our next generation of readers.

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