Milton Keynes Central Library is One of the UK's Best

10.59.00pm GMT Fri 15th Feb 2008

Milton Keynes central library issued nearly three-quarters of a million books, DVDs and CDs last year, making it the second best used library in the country.

Only the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library issued more materials during 2006 than the 771,558 issued by Milton Keynes central library, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

The busy library, which attracted 636,532 visits last year, is just one of a network of eight libraries run by Milton Keynes Council across the Borough, offering members a wide range of services: reference books , books for loan, the chance to borrow music and DVDs, as well as being able to access the internet for free.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Euan Henderson, the Council's cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: "This shows that libraries are important and vibrant parts of any community, especially in a new city like Milton Keynes. We would like to encourage anyone who has not visited one of our libraries to come along and join.

"Today's libraries offer more than just books. At central Milton Keynes library you can look up your ancestors in the Local Studies room, bring your baby to story times on Tuesdays, borrow a book on tape for your granny or email your cousin in Australia, all from the one building. And if you haven't got time to visit, you can do many of these things from your home via the internet or phone."