Book-lending up sharply

Robert Mizzi

Dec 17th 2011, 19:43

A quick comment to clarify a couple of errors in the report above. Nadur is a branch library and not a regional library. There are 7 regional libraries in Malta which are open full time and 51 branch libraries which operate on a PT basis. This apart from the Central Public Library and the Gozo Lending Library and the Gozo Public Library - all open full time.
One other comment - on the figures emanating from the report. We really need to start looking beyond book circulation figures when mentioning public libraries. There are other services which have been integrated with the traditional book circulation services in public libraries worldwide. Our challenge is to establish our public libraries as community information centres where the public can benefit from a range of library services. Relying exclusively on circulation figures to promote libraries is not an approach that will yield the desired results for our public libraries, even though the circulation figures are positive. We need to start thinking outside the box.

charles tabone

Dec 16th 2011, 17:29

This is great! But it would be better if we are informed about how many children and youngstres are frequenting the reading world. I am honestly hoping that this will augur well for a better future citzienry with a higher level of achievement both in Maltese and English, namely the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Keep it up friends!

Pauline Peterson

Dec 16th 2011, 12:13

More books would be lent out if the Main Valletta Public Library was in a better location.

Please consider moving it to a more central location, perhaps on one of the floors of the new parliament house building.

Also maybe the Council libraries could be given more funding, so they can buy more books.