Harrogate Library topped a list of the most used libraries in North Yorkshire last year.
Harrogate has the most used library in North Yorkshire Harrogate Library topped a list of the most used libraries in North Yorkshire last year. According to figures published by North Yorkshire Council, there were 237,100 books and e-books taken out at the library on Victoria Avenue during the 2022/23 financial year as well as 177,629 visits by residents. The figures show a big jump from the previous two years, which were disrupted by covid lockdowns and restrictions. In 2020/21, the library had 47,809 visits and in 2021/22 there were 122,409. Last year, Harrogate Library had more than 50% the number of visitors than the county’s second most popular library, which was Scarborough with 114,829 visits. [caption id="attachment_74820" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Harrogate Library has been popular in the past year.[/caption] Visitor numbers at other libraries in the former Harrogate district area include Knaresborough with 110,191, Ripon with 73,428 and Starbeck with 18,676. Embsay-with-Eastby Community Library was the least used library in North Yorkshire last year with 2,841 visits, however the volunteer-run library near Skipton is only open 9 hours a week. In 2015, the running of 31 libraries in the county was handed to volunteers in the face of mounting financial pressures brought on by austerity. In this model, the council’s library service continues to provide the infrastructure including books and public IT, as well as some paid staff support to ensure consistency across the county. The community libraries account for just under 40% of active library users and deliver on average 50 per cent of the total business for book lending and computer access. By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

Diesel prices rise above £2 a litre in Harrogate area
New woodland sauna and cold plunge opens in Harrogate
Brackenfield School in Harrogate praised by inspectors ahead of 50th anniversary
Harrogate hotel chef shortlisted for 'Oscars of hospitality'
Public consultation could be held on Ripon street pedestrianisation plans
Masham pupils surprise lifelong resident on her 100th birthday
Knaresborough Matalan to reopen following refurbishment
£5m project begins to improve River Nidd water quality
Campaigners call for changes to school transport consultation amid "tick-box" criticism
Martin House care team completes 100-mile relay from coast to hospice
New Harrogate youth hub to help young people into work
64 arrests made in North Yorkshire Police's biggest ever operation
Police appeal after woman bitten by dog in Harrogate bar
Knaresborough terrace repair may not begin until 2027 as 2,000 sign petition
Harrogate BID wins fifth consecutive Gold at Yorkshire in Bloom
Former farmer scoops Starbeck in Bloom prize with homegrown onion
Ripon's former Quarry Moor Activity Centre to make way for new hub
Harrogate district community groups share £89,000 funding boost
Over 500 Afghans resettled in North Yorkshire as 23 households await new homes
Terminal illness council tax exemption could cost North Yorkshire £2.2m a year


