Between 2012 and 2014, the number of libraries in declined by 1.7%, but number of new patrons increased by 7% during the same period.

In 2014, 6,717 libraries where accounted for in Spain while number of users reached 21.81 million persons, which is roughly half of the country's population.

Largest declines took place in regions like Baleares, Andalusia and Valencia, on average 24 libraries closed their doors recently. Cantabria, Castilla-Leon and Pais Vasco saw the largest library openings. 

Catalonia is the region with most per capita library usage (75% of the population if a library user), followed by Madrid (55%) and Castilla y Leon (53%).

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