According to the latest NSO statistics, imports and exports of printed books and periodicals declined (-8.2% and -19.3%, respectively), but private spending on books rose 6.1%. Conversely, spending on newspapers and periodicals fell 5.0%, reflecting shifting media preferences.
Book loans from Malta’s public libraries grew by 3.6% in 2024, reaching 710,399, according to the latest National Statistics Office (NSO) report. However, the increase masks regional disparities and a drop in new memberships.
The Southern Harbour and Western districts recorded the strongest growth in book loans – 3.1% and 6.3%respectively. Fgura library alone accounted for over half the gains in the Southern Harbour. In the West, Attard and Siġġiewi made up nearly 60% of all loans.
In Gozo, Victoria and Nadur libraries led with 28,471 and 24,225 book loans, highlighting strong reading habits on the island.
Not all districts fared well. Northern Harbour saw a 16.8% drop, with Birkirkara plunging 21.9%. Still, San Ġwann and Pembroke bucked the trend with increases of 20.8% and 14.5%. The South Eastern district fell by 3.8%, driven by declines in Żejtun and Żurrieq.
Despite the rise in loans, new library members dropped by 2.9%, and adult sign-ups fell from 46.3% to 42.6%. Yet, libraries expanded their collections, with book acquisitions up 7.4%, including notable growth in printed and digital formats.
The National Library also saw a 10.1% increase in legal deposit items.
News Editor
Journalist and Newscaster
Leave a Reply