The economic crisis may be wreaking havoc across the world but, in one sedate corner of Scottish cultural life, business is booming.

The nation's libraries are experiencing a welcome upsurge in usage and withdrawals - and the only reason those witnessing the turnaround in the fortunes of the civic library can provide is the financial crisis and impending recession. Hard-up readers, it seems, are borrowing books rather than buying them.

But ironically, some local authorities are considering shutting some branches while others, preparing their budgets for the next financial year, are exploring options to scale down library hours.

In the past decade, many were beginning to see public libraries as something of an anachronism, with the upsurge in both bargain book outlets and the internet rendering them almost an irrelevance.

But in Glasgow the local authority offshoot that runs the libraries has noted a steady rise in usage across its estate, culminating in a 12% rise in December compared with the previous year.

In Edinburgh, the city council also said it had noted a gradual percentage rise in library use and "could reasonably expect the trend to continue upwards".

In the US, where the downturn hit earlier, libraries are reporting attendance jumps of up to 65% over the past year.

The Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals said that, while it did not have up-to-date statistics on public library usage in the UK, it was aware of anecdotal evidence of growing use over the past several months and had been inundated with inquiries on the issue.

And it is not just users watching their finances and borrowing rather than buying books who are swelling the attendance figures.

Many of those flocking to libraries are the newly unemployed, filling out CVs, scanning adverts for job listings or using PCs and broadband.

And, according to the head of Glasgow's libraries, the type of books being borrowed provide an insight into the reasons for the renewed interest. Non-fiction borrowing is up 26% in the city, with particular interest being shown in literature which improves skills and literacy.

Karen Cunningham said: "We've noticed over the past few months there has been a sudden rise in membership statistics, footfall and book-borrowing statistics.

"The only reason we can think of is that people are returning to free public libraries when money is tight and because they can use the PCs.

"There is also anecdotal evidence that people are cutting back on broadband and book sales are declining."

Glasgow is also arguably better equipped than most UK authorities in dealing with the renewed interest and providing the facilities required.

Despite Britain as a whole witnessing a decline in library use, Glasgow invested in its portfolio, rebuilding and refurbishing 10 branches and turning them virtually into hi-tech "learning centres" with more than 600 PCs among them.

Elaine Fulton, director of the Scottish Library and Information Council, agreed that, nationally, anecdotal evidence was pointing to enthusiastic use of libraries at the present time but said there would be no statistical support until next year.

Ms Fulton warned: "Authorities are currently setting their budgets for next year and we're hearing some want to either close libraries or reduce hours because of financial pressure."

An Edinburgh Council spokesman said: "The council recognises its responsibility to make its library services interesting, relevant and accessible to all - regardless of age, background or reading ability."

'I wish I had joined long before' By JULIA HORTON

SITTING reading the Sunday papers while his older daughter pores over a dictionary for her school work, Donald McKenzie is one of a growing number of Scots turning to libraries to help combat the credit crunch.

The 33-year-old electrician joined the McDonald Road library in Edinburgh 18 months ago for his children and has increasingly used it to save money on books and newspapers for himself and his family.

He said: "I like to read a lot of books but it would cost me about £10 a week to buy them so now I get them from the library instead, plus you get to read the papers for free.

"They have a better selection than bookshops and if my daughters don't like a book it doesn't matter, we can just take it back. We come at least once a week. I wish I had joined long before.

"There is a good selection of music too, I've never used it but I know friends who take CDs out."

As well as assisting his seven-year-old Aimee with her studies, Mr McKenzie uses the library for books to help her four-year-old sister Erin learn to read.

On average, the family now takes out around half a dozen books every week.

Library assistant Lucie Stewart said there had been a noticeable rise in the number of families like the McKenzies borrowing books and using the building's other facilities over the past few months.

She said: "It's certainly got busier. There are a lot more families coming in. Lots of different people come here. We are not just about books, computers are also huge, that's most of what we do.

"People come a long way to use free internet here instead of going to an internet cafe, especially people writing CVs and applying for jobs."

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Glasgow's most popular books of 2008 Martina Cole: The Business Ian Rankin: Doors Open Ian Rankin: Exit Music James Patterson: Cross Country James Patterson: Step on a Crack Maeve Binchy: Heart and Soul Josephine Cox: The Loner John Grisham: The Appeal Tess Gerritsen: The Bone Garden Kathy Reichs: Devil Bones Karin Slaughter: Fractured Quintin Jardine: Death's Door Lee Child: Nothing to Lose Lyn Andrews: Far from Home Khaled Hosseini: The Kite Runner Khaled Hosseini: A Thousand Splendid Suns John Boyne: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Patricia Cornwell: Scarpetta Anne Donovan: Being Emily Robert Douglas: Somewhere to Lay my Head Robert Douglas: Night Song of the Last Tram Robert Douglas: At Her Majesty's Pleasure