Gloucestershire Libraries celebrate a year of reading and a summer of success
New figures from Gloucestershire Libraries show the important role libraries continue to play in supporting reading, learning and community life across the county.
Between January and the end of August 2026, libraries welcomed more than 913,000 visits, with people borrowing 1.2 million books. During the same period, 14,800 new members joined Gloucestershire Libraries and more than 42,000 people attended events and activities.
As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries have delivered more than 5,000 events and activities, welcoming 28,967 children and 13,510 adults. Activities have ranged from author events and storytelling sessions to Baby Bounce and Rhyme, Library Littles and community events designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
One of the highlights of the year was The Library Challenge 2026: Tales Through Time, Gloucestershire Libraries' summer reading initiative for children and families.
Over the summer, 6,751 children took part in the challenge, with 2,410 children reaching GOLD. Participants borrowed more than 200,000 books during the nine-week challenge while taking part in activities, events and creative projects inspired by history, science, wellbeing and the world around them. The challenge encouraged children to explore new stories, develop their reading habits and discover everything their local library has to offer.
Feedback from families highlighted the positive impact libraries continue to have on communities across Gloucestershire, with children describing the challenge as "amazing" and parents praising the variety of events and opportunities on offer.
Residents can find out more about library services, events and activities at Gloucestershire Libraries
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "These figures show that reading remains an important part of people's lives and that our libraries continue to make a real difference in communities across Gloucestershire.
"The National Year of Reading has given us a fantastic opportunity to encourage more people to discover the benefits of reading, whether that's for education, wellbeing, creativity or simply enjoyment.
"The success of The Library Challenge shows how enthusiastic children and families are about reading. Seeing more than 6,700 children take part and over 2,400 achieve GOLD is a tremendous achievement. I'd like to thank our library staff, volunteers, schools, partners and, most importantly, the thousands of children and families who have made this year such a success."