Book borrowing has increased as more people “feel welcome” at Cornwall’s libraries, a council has said.

Cornwall Council said library membership had grown faster than at any time in the past 10 years as people of all ages were encouraged to explore beyond the bookshelves.

In the last year, there were more than 22,000 new borrowers and more than 1.5m books were loaned from libraries across the county, the authority said.

A council survey of 3,600 people found most borrowers welcomed free library membership and liked not having to worry about overdue charges after Cornwall scrapped late fees in 2022.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at the council, said people were joining libraries after being encouraged to attend activities such as reading groups and drama performances.

“Libraries are no longer a place where you are told to ‘shush’, they are completely different and more welcoming places,” she said.

“There are many activities which encourage people to visit and, once through the door, they are much more inclined to become members.”

People have also praised the libraries for making people struggling with isolation and the cost of living feel welcome.

In the survey, one mother wrote: “The library has provided my family with a warm and welcoming place to shelter when the weather is terrible and we can’t afford to go anywhere else.

“It has provided a link to the community and fostered a lifelong love of reading for my children.”

Those surveyed told the council they liked the free digital resources available with more than a million downloads of e-books, e-audios and online newspapers and magazines.

More than 8,400 people also took part in last year’s Summer Reading Challenge, said the council.

“What is clear is that people still love books, whether that’s printed books or e-books, people still like reading,” said Ms Mould.

Cornwall has 27 libraries, of which 23 have been devolved to town and parish councils, a community group and a social enterprise.

The council has retained four libraries and runs a mobile library.