DESPITE the recession and the doom and gloom on the high street I would like to inform your readers that our libraries continue to go from strength to strength.

Our figures show that we have over 2.5million visitors every year and are enjoying a 15 per cent increase in new members. Indeed, last year alone we issued more than two million books and 400,000 music recordings and DVDs.

We have also significantly increased the number of events and activities held in our libraries. These include over 2,000 dedicated children's activities such as reading clubs, summer reading events and under five's sessions and over 500 dedicated adult learning sessions including literacy classes, internet sessions and CV building workshops.

With a particular surge in demand for non-fiction books over the last few months, including an increase of nearly 12 per cent for personal finance books, we can see that more and more people are turning to the invaluable resources at their public libraries.

For more information visit www.west minster.gov.uk/libraries or call 020 7641 1300.

Cllr Audrey Lewis Cabinet Member for Customers and Neighbourhoods, Westminster City Council