Surrey Libraries deliver over £900,000 in annual value for health and wellbeing, new report reveals

Surrey Libraries are delivering at least £900,000 of value each year by supporting mental health and wellbeing, according to a groundbreaking new report from national charity Libraries Connected. 

The research, commissioned by the South East regional network of Libraries Connected and carried out by public policy consultancy Shared Intelligence, uses official government guidance to measure the economic impact of three key activities offered by Surrey Libraries: 

• Weekly arts and crafts sessions for older residents 
• Volunteering opportunities 
• Initiatives to reduce loneliness 

Data was collected over 12 weeks in summer 2025 from 42 of Surrey’s 52 libraries and 11 other South East library services. Using Treasury-approved methods, the team calculated the monetary value of these activities, including NHS savings, productivity gains and the personal value placed on improved wellbeing. 

Key findings for Surrey libraries 

• Weekly arts and crafts sessions for older people generate over £127,530 annually in health and wellbeing benefits. 
• Volunteering in Surrey Libraries creates over £80,584 each year in wellbeing value, reducing isolation and boosting life satisfaction. 
• Loneliness reduction activities generate over £692,368 annually in health, productivity and wellbeing value. 

Researchers note these figures are conservative estimates, meaning the true value is likely even higher. The report highlights how libraries help reduce pressure on health and social care services by offering early, low-cost support in the community. 

Denise Turner-Stewart, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities said: “This report underlines the vital role our libraries play in supporting residents’ health and wellbeing. From tackling loneliness to providing creative opportunities for older people, we understand how important our libraries are as community spaces offering services, support, social interactions and of course books – they are safe, welcoming spaces at the heart of our villages and towns. 

“We are proud of the incredible value they deliver and will continue to champion them as a key part of Surrey’s preventative approach to health and social care. This is in addition to the support and services they provide for a whole range of younger residents too, which is why we have been continuing to invest in our libraries to ensure they remain current, modern and sustainable community spaces supporting future generations in Surrey”.

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said: “As the budget approaches, this research makes the case for libraries in clear economic terms. They reduce loneliness, support mental health and ease pressure on other, more expensive, public services – delivering exceptional value for money. The findings show why libraries should be recognised as one of the most effective preventative services available to policymakers.” 

Notes:

Surrey Libraries

For more information on all the services, support, activities and events in Surrey Libraries visit Libraries – Surrey County Council

Report: South East libraries deliver millions in value through support for mental health and wellbeing – report | Libraries Connected

Libraries Connected 

We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. As well as providing practical support, training and advice to libraries, we represent them to government and raise their profile in the media. We also develop and lead national library projects with a range of cultural, academic and corporate partners. Part of our core funding in England comes from Arts Council England to help libraries embed their Investment Principles. 

www.librariesconnected.org.uk