Malta's public libraries may not always attract the same attention as other public services, but recent figures suggest that they continue to play an important role in society.
With more than 700,000 books borrowed over the past year, and children and young people accounting for a significant proportion of these loans, suggesting that the appetite for reading has not disappeared.
At a time when so much information and entertainment is available at the touch of a screen, these figures are encouraging.
They also provide an opportunity to consider whether Malta is doing enough to support and develop its public libraries, particularly as the needs of communities continue to change.
Libraries have traditionally been associated with borrowing books, but their value extends well beyond their shelves.
They provide spaces where students can study, children can discover literature and people of all ages can access information without having to spend money. For some, they may also offer a quiet environment that is difficult to find at home.
This is particularly important in a country where space is limited and not everyone enjoys the same opportunities.
A well-maintained public library can provide access to educational resources that might otherwise be unavailable to certain families. It can also encourage children to develop reading habits from an early age, something that can benefit them throughout their education and later lives.
The fact that younger readers account for so many library loans is especially positive.
However, encouraging children to read should not be regarded as the responsibility of schools alone.
Parents, local councils and public institutions all have a part to play in ensuring that books remain accessible and that reading is presented as an enjoyable activity rather than simply another educational obligation.
While technology has transformed the way people access information and literature, it has not diminished the importance of public libraries.
Many libraries have already embraced digital resources, showing that traditional reading spaces and modern technology can coexist.
What matters is ensuring that these services continue to respond to the needs of different generations, while preserving the experience of browsing bookshelves, discovering new authors and enjoying a space dedicated to reading and learning.
There is also an opportunity for libraries to become more active community spaces.
Reading sessions for children, discussions with local authors, educational workshops and activities for older residents could help attract people who might not otherwise consider visiting.
Such initiatives would strengthen the connection between libraries and the communities they serve.
However, these ambitions require proper investment. Libraries cannot fulfil their potential if their collections are outdated, their opening hours are inconvenient, or their facilities fail to meet visitors' needs.
Accessibility must also be considered, particularly for people with disabilities and residents who may have difficulty reaching a library.
Public libraries should not be judged solely by the number of books they lend. Their contribution to education, inclusion and community life is equally important, even if these benefits are harder to measure.
The latest borrowing figures are therefore worth celebrating, but they should also encourage further ambition.
Malta has an opportunity to ensure that its libraries remain welcoming, accessible and relevant places where people can continue learning throughout their lives.