Osman's whodunnit most popular book in West Berkshire libraries

The most borrowed book from West Berkshire libraries last year has been revealed.

It is The Thursday Murder Club by the well-known TV presenter, novelist and comedian Richard Osman.

Other figures show a dramatic increase in library attendance in the district.

The council says there has been an 86 per cent increase in the number of people visiting, at around 60,000 for the first quarter of the year.

Around 150,000 items were borrowed which is up 15 per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

The library boom has council officials both pleased and baffled.

"Maybe during the pandemic people have got more into reading books," said chief executive Nigel Lynn.

"Or maybe it's the cost of living and people are borrowing rather than buying. Either way it is great to see our libraries being so well used."

He also revealed a longer-term aim of making libraries even more open to and linked with communities.

"I could see the benefit of moving libraries in with leisure centres, where there is a café, and already community activity," he said.