A SURVEY of library users has revealed that they would rather read a good book than watch television.

The Darlington library survey interviewed 500 regular readers about what kind of books they like.

A total of 87 per cent said they read more now than they did ten years ago. One of the main reasons given was the poor quality of television programmes.

Darlington Library manager Peter White said: "Many of our readers are retired early, so having more time to read was also given as a reason, but it was interesting to see how many people are dissatisfied with what is on television.

"It was also surprising to note that so many readers buy books as well as borrow them."

The survey found that Darlington library users prefer thrillers to romance - 68 per cent borrow mysteries regularly, but only 20 per cent read romance. Westerns, once the mainstay of male readers, make up only four per cent of the total. Family sagas, historical novels and contemporary fiction are also popular.

Catherine Cookson retained her position as favourite author ,with Maeve Binchy second. Adventure writer Wilbur Smith was popular, with crime writers Dick Francis, Ruth Rendell and Patricia Cornwell also in the top ten.

Almost three quarters of a million books are borrowed from Darlington's libraries each year.