Author Trevor Zahra’s books are the most borrowed, according to statistics issued today during the launch of a scheme on public lending rights by the National Book Council and the education minister.

The total amount of books, written by Mr Zahra, which were borrowed between September last year and the first week of this year is 5,128.

Speaking during the launch this morning, where participating authors were paid for every book lent between the last quarter of last year and the first week of this year, Mr Bartolo lauded all Maltese authors for their sacrifices, highlighting that authors normally lose out financially but still remain dedicated to publishing books.

He said such schemes, which were voted for during the last budget, help seriously acknowledge the work of authors, most of whom are internationally renowned. Other schemes, he added, will help promote Malta’s book sector internationally in the same way other local products are.

Mark Camilleri, the chairman of the National Book Council, said that this is the first time a government is acknowledging the work of authors and included this sector as one of its budgetary line items.

Other authors whose books were the most borrowed during the above-mentioned period include Clare Azzopardi (924), Charles Casha (942), Carmel G. Cauchi (848), Tony C. Cutajar (493), and Charles B. Spiteri (402).