The public use and engagement of Suffolk's libraries, museums, and the arts are all above the national average according to figures released today.

Lisa Chambers, Portfolio Holder for Economic and Cultural Development said: "Suffolk's cultural offer is good and this research has shown that Suffolk is well placed to improve by enabling greater access to our excellent library services, as well as all the wonderful museums and art facilities and festivals on offer. Culture and heritage enrich people's lives and provide a wealth of learning and skills opportunities for people of all ages, however young or old. The county council believes strongly in developing and promoting the opportunities and benefits of culture and heritage in the county and the findings reinforce the important role the council plays in getting more people across the whole of Suffolk involved in everything that makes Suffolk exceptional. "

"Culture is the jewel in Suffolk's crown, from our beautiful built heritage to the wealth of arts activities on offer throughout the year. We need to examine today's report in depth to see how we can extend this cultural opportunity to more people.

She continued: "We have made great steps so far with the launch this year of the Cultural Olympiad with the Big Weekend when cultural venues opened their doors for free to let people give something new a go. With the Cultural Olympiad now upon us and fantastic new facilities such as the Dance House in Ipswich and Aldeburgh's centre of music opening in 2009 there will be lots of opportunities for us all not to get involved in cultural life in Suffolk.

Graham Newman, Portfolio Holder for Adult and Community Services, said: "Today's report is good news for Suffolk. We are constantly improving the service and looking at new activities and ways of getting more people into our libraries. These improvements have resulted in more people using the wide variety of services which are openly available to them. "

He continued: "Even though the results are pleasing we still have a long way to go. I would like to urge people who haven't been to the library for some time to come in and give it a go, you'd be surprised at how things have changed. Suffolk leads the way on refurbishing its libraries to make them open and welcoming to the whole community - did you know that there are library cafes and places to meet, activities for all ages, computers and learning points and they are all open on a Sunday? Our libraries are also places where you can get information to help you with your health, and to help you find out what's going on in your village or town. Every library gets new books every week, which means that there are many different and varied titles to chose from, and book borrowing is free. So when you have a moment over the holiday period, try your local library to see what's on offer. "

The data represents a good starting point for the county council to analyse the detail and develop improvements in these areas to allow greater access to the cultural offer in the county.