The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library has been named the country's busiest library for the sixth year running.

The library, which is based in The Forum, welcomed more than 1.3 million people through its doors last year – more than any other library in the country.

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) 2011-12 survey found the library issued more than 1.1 million items last year – the highest number in the country.

Based in the country's only UNESCO city of literature, the library has a children's area and a 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, a living memorial to nearly 7,000 American servicemen who lost their lives during the Second World War.

Lisa Elmer, relationship manager, libraries, Arts Council England, East said: 'Libraries are at the very heart of their communities and are centres of knowledge available for everyone to use

'The CIPFA figures demonstrate how libraries are very much valued by the public, especially in the east of England.'

Barry Stone, cabinet member for cultural services at Norfolk County Council, said: 'People in Norfolk absolutely love their libraries, but there are still a lot of people in the county who aren't members.

'We want our libraries to be as well-used and well-loved as possible, and when it's free to join and free to borrow books, magazines and ebooks, and free to use computers and the internet, there are plenty of good reasons to become a member.'