How libraries are branching out to pull people in

[annie]

As investment in UK library services continues to fall and borrowing rates drop, many libraries are facing closure or severely restricted opening hours.

So can a broader range of events, from breastfeeding groups to bulb planting, keep people coming through the doors?

At a cost of £189m, the Library of Birmingham had to offer more than its predecessor.

It may house about one million books, but beyond the library stacks, visitors can attend an Ashtanga yoga class, a knitting group, or even try out a laughter workshop (that's learning how to "laugh for no reason").

'A very different library'

It's not the only library trying out new things.

In Worcester, The Hive library holds a weekly breastfeeding group called Baby Latte and offers "health walks" with an NHS trainer.

Baby and toddler yoga are among the events available to locals at Watton Library, near Thetford, Norfolk.

And Nantwich Library in Cheshire advertised an after-hours erotic book reading, for adults only and "not for those easily offended".

So do people go to libraries for more than just books?
More:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26819241

[maureenho]

Most Libraries have computers and internet access these days and every now and then they have organised learning sessions.

[wendy]

Here in Norfolk, they have just had new computers fitted in the libraries.

[Misspears]

Our library as computers.and runs computer courses

Ann x