Library borrowing up again in Wales amid closure fears

"Councils in Wales have been told they must continue to provide a proper library service even during "very tough times" for public spending. BBC Wales contacted all 22 councils, and a number are planning closures. As figures show book borrowing is up again, Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones stressed the value of libraries. Mr Jones said the assembly government could act if an "adequate" service was not provided, but he wanted to "support and guide" local authorities. Recent figures show that there were 681,000 "active book borrowers" in Wales in 2009-2010, an increase of 5.4% on 2008-2009, which had also recorded an increase. More than 14.7m people visited libraries in Wales last year, which also represents an increase of 5.4%" - BBC