Report highlights improved performance in culture and leisure services

Residents are making greater use of Wirral Libraries’ digital services than ever before, with e-book, e-audio and online newspaper and magazine downloads continuing to grow rapidly as the service adapts to changing reading habits.

That is one of the highlights of a performance report on Wirral’s cultural and leisure services that is being presented to members of Wirral Council’s Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee next week.

Figures detailed in the report show that e-book and e-audio loans increased year-on-year to almost 112,000 in 2025-26, while e-press downloads more than doubled again and are now around seven times higher than in 2023-24. The number of unique users accessing digital library services has also increased by more than 50% over the last two years.

These figures are being presented to the committee alongside other strong performance data across libraries, leisure and cultural services.

Despite the growth in digital borrowing, physical libraries remain at the heart of local communities, with active borrowing remaining broadly stable and libraries continuing to provide free, trusted spaces for residents to read, learn, access support and connect with others.

As part of the emerging Libraries for All: Wirral Libraries Strategy 2026-2031, the service is investing in greater promotion of its digital offer, alongside targeted investment in library stock to attract new audiences, retain existing members and encourage former borrowers to return.

Libraries are also expanding their role as community hubs, with a growing programme of events and activities for adults and children helping to demonstrate the wider social value of the service.

Elsewhere, participation at Wirral’s leisure centres continues to increase, driven by investment in gym equipment, expanded activity programmes and growing demand for sports including football, tennis, badminton and pickleball.

Swimming participation has also remained strong, supported by continued work with local schools and education partners to help young people learn vital swimming and water safety skills. An expanded aquatics workforce and the introduction of new adult learn-to-swim opportunities are supporting further growth across the programme.

Active Wirral's latest social value analysis also highlighted the significant economic and social benefits generated through leisure services, with every leisure centre recording an increase in social value during 2025-26 compared with the previous year, up £3m to £28m.

Wirral's cultural venues have also enjoyed a successful year. The Williamson Art Gallery, now open six days a week, has recorded sustained growth in visitor numbers, while catering and hospitality operations have achieved a significant financial turnaround, moving from a £100,000 adverse position in 2024-25 to a £180,000 favourable position in 2025-26.

Visitor numbers at the Floral Pavilion have also increased, while plans are in place to boost awareness and attendance at Birkenhead Priory through targeted marketing and partnership work.

Looking ahead, the appointment of a new Curator and Documentation Officer, alongside the forthcoming Paul O'Grady exhibition at the Williamson Art Gallery, is expected to attract new audiences and build on the service's positive momentum.

The Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee is recommended to note the content of the report and highlight any areas requiring further clarification or action when they meet at Wallasey Town Hall on Tuesday 21st July.

• Join Wirral Libraries for free at any of our 10 library locations or online, giving you access to a wide range of physical and digital resources (including our online platform Borrowbox). A digital-only membership option is also available. Find out more and join today via Join the library | wirral.gov.uk
• For more details on Wirral Council’s Learn to Swim programme please go to Swimming Lessons - Active Wirral or call 0151 666 5661/5013, or to find out more about memberships for Active Wirral visit Invigor8 Memberships - Active Wirral
• Details of upcoming shows or events at the Floral Pavilion or Wirral Museums can be found at floralpavilion.com