Book loans from branch public libraries in Malta and Gozo in the past six years have been constantly on the increase, the National Statistics Office reported yesterday, in a release issued to mark World Book and Copyright Day, to be celebrated on Monday.

Over the past three years, Malta has imported an annual average of Lm7 million worth of books, journals, newspapers, magazines and other printed material. In the same period, Maltese exports in this category have averaged Lm3 million per year, the bulk comprising books, leaflets and brochures but showing an increase in periodicals albeit with regard to the latter, Malta exports the equivalent of minimal value.

The number of books borrowed by library users from public libraries dipped by 3.4 per cent in 2005 when compared to 2004 but rose by 2.6 per cent in 2006. In the three-year period under review, book loans from branch public libraries (i.e. units situated in localities) have been constantly on the increase, reflecting perhaps an impetus provided by the ongoing arrangement under which local councils are assuming administrative responsibility for branch libraries.

In 2006, the largest number of persons who became members of public libraries hailed from the Northern Harbour district, which includes populous localities such as Birkirkara and Qormi. Since 2000, the gap between junior and adult new public library membership has shown signs of narrowing, with fewer under-18s and more adults becoming members than previously, generally speaking. One contributing factor could be a shift in overall age composition towards a more adult and ageing population.

In the three years under review, private consumers buying in the domestic market spent an annual average of Lm21.5 million on printed material.