Monday November 3rd 2025
Prestonpans Library, East Lothian
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Visitor numbers at East Lothian libraries rose by nearly 10 per cent last year despite reducing opening hours with more than 450,000 visits recorded.
A report on activities at the county libraries has revealed they remain at the heart of communities with thousands of events held over the last year and nearly 200,000 books and items borrowed.
The update comes as East Lothian Council launches consultations on plans to create six library area hubs in the county and look into alternative ways of delivering the service in more rural areas with communities urged to get involved in running some village halls and other community buildings.
The annual report on the current libraries and operations at the buildings reveals the level of use with a wide range of services provided from book bug clubs for children to council customer services providing help with blue badges, benefits and offering warm spaces for residents to come.
The report said: “Libraries and Customer Services continue to be at the heart of East Lothian’s communities—welcoming spaces where people of all ages come to learn, connect, and feel supported.
“Whether it’s a parent attending Bookbug with their toddler, a young person finding a safe space after school, or an older resident joining a knit and natter or memories group, our libraries offer more than books—they offer belonging.”
The annual review revealed that in the last year the teams operating the libraries had delivered 3,400 events for children and young people as well as more than 1600 events for adults.
The report said the service had faced challenges over the year with a number of staff moving to new posts and restrictions on recruitment leading to reduced capacity at a number of locations.
It said opening hours in smaller libraries were temporarily reduced to one day a week for 12 weeks in some cases to address the shortfall in staff.
Hours were reduced in the winter to deal with sickness absence and staffing gaps but the report said libraries had communicated changes clearly to customers and partners.
However it said: “Despite the reduction, visitor numbers increased by nine per cent, showing strong community support and continued demand.”
The libraries and customer services review has been lodged in the council’s members library which is accessible through its website to read.
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