Portsmouth libraries support for residents has been valued at more than £112,000 per year, according to a groundbreaking report from a national charity.
The study by Libraries Connected examines how the city’s nine public libraries contribute to residents’ health and wellbeing, with particular benefits for older residents.
The report used official government guidance to assess the economic impact of three key activities at Portsmouth libraries: arts and crafts sessions for those aged over 65, volunteer programmes, and loneliness reduction initiatives.
Researchers gathered data over a 12-week period during summer 2025, applying Treasury-approved methodologies to calculate the monetary value of these services—including NHS cost savings, productivity improvements, and personal wellbeing gains.
Arts and craft sessions for older residents produce more than £57,000 in annual health and wellbeing benefits.
Volunteer programmes at Portsmouth libraries generate over £26,000 yearly in wellbeing value through reduced isolation and enhanced life satisfaction.
Activities tackling loneliness create more than £29,000 per year in combined health, productivity, and wellbeing value.
Researchers note these figures are conservative estimates, with the actual value likely considerably higher.
Portsmouth City Council operates the library service. Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt commented:
“This innovative report quantifies the genuine benefit and value our libraries deliver to people’s lives.
“Whilst councils elsewhere are closing libraries, Portsmouth continues expanding services across our nine public libraries for families and residents of all ages.”
The research covered Portsmouth alongside 11 other south east library services, estimating regional financial benefits at up to £1.8m annually.
The findings demonstrate how Portsmouth libraries support communities by reducing demand on health and social care services through accessible, low-cost early intervention.
Libraries Connected is publishing a toolkit alongside the research, enabling library services nationwide to apply the methodology to their own programmes.
