VISITING a library and reading a book have scored highly in a recent 24 hour culture survey conducted in the West Midlands.

More than 2,300 people took part in the survey during a 24 hour period from noon on Friday, October 24, to noon on Saturday, October 25, last year.

The results showed that libraries were the most popular cultural venue over the 24 hours, followed by the theatre, art gallery and museums.

And when asked about engaging with culture, reading a book over the 24 hour period was the most mentioned activity by 72 per cent of respondents.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for localism and communities, said: "All of our libraries play a central role to the community and are really busy, important places so we're not surprised by these results, but we are very pleased that they reinforce what popular venues libraries are.

"The percentage of people reading is also very positive, especially if they are borrowing from our libraries."

Membership to Worcestershire's libraries is free and gives access to hard copy books, e-books and magazines, audio books and Wi-Fi.