New research has revealed Surrey’s Libraries are delivering £900,000 of value each year by supporting mental health and wellbeing.

The study was commissioned by the South East regional network of charity, Libraries Connected.

Data was collected over 12 weeks during summer from 42 of Surrey’s 52 libraries and 11 other South East library services.

It found weekly arts and crafts sessions and initiatives to reduce loneliness diverted pressure away from the NHS and social services.