Over 706,000 Book Loans From Local Libraries In 2025

Administrative data provided by Maltese Libraries show that total book loans, including digital loans, reached 706,275 in 2025.

This represents a decrease of 4,124 loans, or 0.6%, compared with the previous year.

During 2025, public libraries recorded declines in book acquisitions, lending activity and new memberships. Total book acquisitions stood at 38,548, marking a decrease of 10.0% year on year.

This reduction was mainly driven by lower printed book acquisitions through donations and purchases, which fell by 5,401 books (21.0%) and 394 books (3.5%) respectively.

In contrast, digital acquisitions increased by 1,494 titles, equivalent to 25.5%, indicating continued growth in online collections.

Overall lending also decreased by 0.6%, with lower activity recorded at the Central Public Library of Malta (6.5%) and regional libraries in Malta (9.2%).

However, several areas registered growth, including branch libraries in Malta (0.2%), Gozo (6.5%), the Gozo Central Public Library (17.8%) and digital loans (7.9%).

New public library memberships totalled 7,380 in 2025, a decrease of 7.2% compared with the previous year. Just over half of new members were under 18 years of age (54.3%), although this share declined slightly year on year.

In terms of printed books only, the Southern Harbour, Northern Harbour and South Eastern districts all registered decreases in borrowing activity. The Northern Harbour district saw the largest decline at 9.3%, driven mainly by reductions in Msida (65.8%), Tas-Sliema (52.6%), Ħal Qormi (19.5%) and Birkirkara (14.0%).

By contrast, the Western, Northern and Gozo and Comino districts recorded increases.

Gozo registered the strongest growth at 9.7%, with notable rises in Il-Qala (55.3%), Iż-Żebbuġ (33.0%), Ir-Rabat Gozo (17.8%), Ta’ Sannat (16.5%), Ix-Xewkija (11.4%), Għajnsielem (9.1%) and In-Nadur (8.0%).

#MaltaDaily