YOUNG people are the biggest library users in England, a five-year study has revealed.

The data collected by Carnegie UK Trust from 2011 to 2016 has revealed other startling statistics, which bucks the trend and stereotypes of library users.

More than 10,000 were interviewed throughout the project, which shows those aged 15-24 are the most likely age group to use libraries (51 per cent).

While 43 per cent of those over the age of 55 are the least likely to use a library and, almost half of 25-34 year-olds are now also using libraries.

Martyn Evans, chief executive of Carnegie UK Trust, said: “It’s extremely promising that there’s been a rise in library use in England amongst those aged 25-34 and amongst non-readers.

“However, we know that the future success of public libraries depends on how effectively they respond to the changing needs of their communities.

“Local authority budgets are under severe pressure. All of us who value libraries’ rich and varied contribution to our wellbeing must provide clear and compelling evidence of their impact if future investment is to be secured.

“We also know that the public want libraries to do even more. People in England told us that they would be more likely to use the library if they had better information about the activities on offer.

“If they could access more council services there, if the library held more events or had a café or coffee shop on site.”

As well as reaching more young people, many public libraries in England are also now serving many more people who don’t read books, the report found.

Libraries across the UK have begun providing a much wider range services and activities in recent years.

More than a third of people (37 per cent) in England who read only one book a year now say that they use their local library.

And the report also found 40 per cent of people who only read one book every six months also now identify themselves library users.

Around 10,000 face-to-face and telephone interviews were involved in total in 2011 and 2016 throughout the study.