Libraries Connected welcomes the publication of the English Public Library Activity Dataset for 2023-24.

The Libraries Activity Dataset captures a wide range of activity within public libraries in England, including active users, events and attendances and physical and digital loans. This is a significant step because it marks the first time both Arts Council England and library services have undertaken this type of data collection. It is a major milestone in an ongoing process, with the ambition of automated data collection for the public library sector.

Questions within the survey were tested with our Data and Information group and Arts Council England’s Head of Service advisory board. 

Libraries Connected recognises the considerable work that has gone into the creation of this dataset from Arts Council England and all sector partners. The work so far shows a library sector that is on its way to becoming more data driven and evidence based, an important step in demonstrating its value to central and local government.

Arts Council England will undertake the next collection for 2024-25 libraries activity data throughout September 2025.