Wembley Library has been named as the busiest reading room in London and the third most used in Britain.

According to a public survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy only the Library of Birmingham and Manchester Central Library are busier.

The library, which is located inside Brent Civic Centre, recorded 1.38 million visits this year which is an increase on last year when it was visited 1.17million times.

In addition all six libraries in the borough have been slightly busier than this time last year with a 0.6 per cent increase in visitor numbers.

Brent libraries have bucked the national trend that has seen a fall in visits of 5.5pc across Britain.

Cllr Tom Miller, Brent Council’s cabinet members for stronger communities said: “It’s great news that Brent Libraries are so well used by the community in Brent. Our libraries have a lot to offer with free wifi and use of PCs, activities and storytimes for children, clubs, IT and English classes, online resources and, of course, lots of books available to borrow.

“Libraries are important centres for learning, entertainment and community activity.

“I’m proud that Brent’s libraries are leading the way in supplying these important services to the communities they serve.”

In 2011, Brent Council controversially closed half of its 12 libraries to save £1miliion a year.

Barham Park, Cricklewood, Neasden, Kensal Rise, Preston and Tokyngton libraries were axed.