Hounslow residents are more likely to have a nearby library than almost anywhere in England and Wales, new figures show.
Published: Thursday, 7th November 2024
Recent analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows 63 percent of Hounslow residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home. One of the highest proportions in the country placing Hounslow 21st out of 318 local councils.
Meanwhile, 98 percent were within half an hour of a library and every resident could reach one within an hour's walk. Hounslow Council runs 11 libraries, or one for every 26,900 people in the area.
Hounslow residents’ proximity to libraries was reflected in the Council’s recent resident survey; that found 88 percent of people who used Hounslow’s libraries reported excellent satisfaction, the highest of any Council service.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces at Hounslow Council, said:
“The ONS data is something to shout about – even if it gets us told off in the library!
“Libraries are much-loved and treasured institutions for many of our residents and are vital as a free educational resource. As a Council, we play an important role in ensuring every resident in Hounslow can learn, grow and enjoy these spaces.
“These findings will come as no surprise to many of our residents. Having libraries in so many locations across the borough means we can use them to bring key Council and voluntary services closer to where our residents live.”
Plans are currently underway to transform all 11 libraries into community hubs, offering residents an array of support services under one roof. In addition to the full library services they already enjoy.
These improvements are part of the Council’s ambition to make key services accessible, intuitive, and easy to use, while also ensuring face-to-face support is available nearer to where residents live.
Details about the Council’s libraries can be found on its website and more information on the new offer in libraries will be shared soon.
