Wales suffers loss of visits to its libraries

Credit: PA

Wales has seen a drop in visits to its libraries since 2010, according to a new survey.

Last year, Wales lost 11% of its Libraries - a decrease from 308 to 274.

Figures released by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy also found visits to libraries across the UK have fallen by 14%.

Library funding has been cut by more than £180m over the same period.

The survey also found a total of 106 libraries closed across the UK in 2014/15.

Last year, Wales lost 11% of its Libraries - a decrease from 308 to 274. Credit: PA

Elsewhere England's libraries fell from 3,142 to 3,076, while in Scotland the total dropped by just 1%, from 573 to 567.

The survey reports an increase in volunteering by 19% in 2014/15.

The number of full-time paid library staff dropped by 4% over the same period.