What does the Highway Code, secrets of the guitar and family ancestry have in common?
They are topics featured in books most borrowed from Hounslow libraries. A Freedom of Information request has revealed the most used books in the area's libraries relate to practical skills rather than the discovery of literary classics.
It seems residents have shunned the tales of Bronte and Dickens for useful day-to day advice.
In Hounslow Library, the top three most borrowed publications between 2006 and 2009 were those from the Driving Standards Agency about test theory and essential motoring skills.
In Bedfont, Frederick McNeill Noad's book of Solo Guitar Playing was the most often checked in and out, and in Brentford, David Hey's guide to Journeys in Family History was the second most popular text.
In Hanworth, the most borrowed book over the same period was called Buy, Sell and Move House, by Alison Barr.
In Feltham, the third most used book was Drills and Drill Presses by Rick Peters, and in Chiswick a large number of library users wanted to learn about the basics of video lighting.
But it was not all fact, the fiction of Francesca Simon also scored highly with her Horrid Henry books, featuring in fifth place in Bedfont and Hounslow libraries and forth place in Hanworth.
History also featured regularly in the lists, with Karl Sabbagh's personal history of Palestine at first place in Feltham, and Antonia Fraser's Kings and Queens of England at forth place in Chiswick.
