A report from charity Libraries Connected uses the Treasury's green book - official guidance which aims to ensure value for money in public spending - to measure the economic impact of three core library activities: weekly arts and crafts sessions for over-65s, volunteering opportunities and activities that reduce loneliness.

Data was collected over 12 weeks in summer 2025 from 12 of 21 South East library services, covering around 75% of the region's 9.7 million population. The research team calculated the monetary value of the activities, including NHS savings, productivity gains and the personal value placed on improved wellbeing.

The report's key finding are:

• Weekly arts and craft sessions for older people generate at least £491k each year in health and wellbeing benefits across eight services, using a valuation of £109 per person per week based on quality of life improvement.
• Library volunteering generates £342k in wellbeing value annually across 11 library services, reducing isolation and boosting life satisfaction. This is based on a valuation of up to £396 per person per year - the estimated cost for health and care services to deliver the same benefit.
• Loneliness reduction activities generate £913k in health, productivity and wellbeing value each year across six services, based on 356 participants - 123 of whom (34%) reported feeling less lonely. The small sample size means the true regional impact is many times greater.

The project also carried out detailed interviews, capturing the voices of older library users, which further demonstrates the positive impact libraries have.

Isobel Hunter, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: ‘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.'

James Pearson, chair of Libraries Connected South East and head of Libraries, Registration & Archives at Kent County Council, said: ‘Those of us delivering library services understand the positive impact they have on people's lives but it's essential that we demonstrate that impact, which is why the South East Libraries group commissioned this study.

'The findings speak for themselves – they highlight the vital role libraries play at the heart of communities, reducing pressure on health and social care. I hope this report encourages service designers and policymakers to consider libraries as an integral part of preventative service design.'

Denise Turner-Stewart, deputy leader and cabinet member for customer and communities, added: '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.'