A new report from the charity Libraries Connected says West Sussex libraries are delivering nearly £220,000 worth of extra value each year by supporting mental health and wellbeing, particularly for older people.
The study looked at the economic and social impact of weekly arts and crafts sessions for over-65s, volunteering roles and programmes aimed at reducing loneliness.
It says these activities offer early, low-cost support in the community, helping ease pressure on health and social care services.
The report highlights how libraries can help reduce pressure on health and social care services by offering early, low-cost support in the community.
This year the West Sussex County Council Library Service has been celebrating a century of being at the heart of local communities, contributing to one of the county council’s key priorities of helping people and communities fulfil their potential.
Libraries Connected, an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries, collected data during the summer of 2025 from West Sussex and 11 other library services in the south-east, calculating the monetary value of the activities - including NHS savings, productivity gains, and the personal value placed on improved wellbeing.
West Sussex libraries offer:
- craft activities such as ‘Knit and Natter’
- social activities including Board Games, Let’s Chat sessions, Tea and Chat, Melody for the Mind, and reading groups
- volunteering opportunities.
The research was supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – which oversees library policy - and marks a breakthrough in presenting library value in terms that align with government decision-making.
Councillor Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “This report clearly shows that our libraries offer so much more than just books. Our library service plays a vital role in our local communities and acts as a lifeline for so many people. This study confirms what we have known for a long time in West Sussex – that our libraries are truly valuable and offer vital services that help people and communities fulfil their potential.”
Councillor Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “It’s great to see the work of our libraries recognised in supporting our residents, in particular, older people and mental health. A key part of our communities, the council’s public health and libraries teams work closely together to deliver activities and campaigns for all ages within libraries to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.”
Read the full report: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-11/The%20power%20of%20prevention%20Nov25.pdf
To find out more about activities in libraries visit: What's on - West Sussex
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