Public libraries need to be given a makeover and transformed into enticing, buzzing hubs of activity through careful research that captures “the soul of our cultural reality”, according to author and lecturer Ġorġ Mallia.
Figures released by the Central Public Library indicate that new membership to public libraries and book lending declined by over 17 per cent last year. This despite a 10.9 per cent increase in book acquisitions. The Central Public Library in Floriana, which has the highest share of book loans among Maltese libraries, has seen a staggering 40.5 per cent drop in the number of loans.
Distractions such as the internet, television and gaming could be contributing to the sharp decline but this challenge was also being faced in Scandinavian countries, for instance, where there are avid readers, Dr Mallia, who spent nine years as chairman of the National Book Council, said.
The atmosphere at Maltese libraries does not offer a warm welcome to readers, Dr Mallia said, adding that they need a major facelift.
New membership to public libraries and book lending declined by over 17% last year, despite a 10.9% increase in book acquisitions
Abroad, libraries are not merely places where one can borrow books but active meeting places where books are present but which also bustle with activity, ranging from talks and exhibitions to concerts. Dr Mallia said in certain places rock concerts are held outside libraries, with the gig then followed by a discussion on the rock genre.
Maltese libraries need to become as enticing and as comfortable as a sitting room, rendered attractive through the use of different hues, with paintings on the walls and an environment that reflects the 21st century. They have to be equipped with computer terminals, e-books, audio books and books stored in a visually attractive, easily accessible way.
Librarians, Dr Mallia added, need more training in customer care, something that goes beyond the mere processing of books.
“This problem needs to be tackled inside out. It stems from the deeply ingrained mentality that books are just for schools and are not in themselves a form of entertainment.”
Studies show that, in general, children love books but their interest significantly dwindles by the time they reach their teenage years.
This lack of interest is not helped by the fact that many adults do not consider books as legitimate forms of entertainment, he pointed out.
“The mentality is that books do not make nice presents, a bit like one wouldn’t give a child a pair of socks.”
An in-depth, localised study needs to be carried out but the research has to be proactive and acted upon, Dr Mallia stressed.
“There has to be will, but also scientific knowledge, not research based on foreign countries but research that captures the soul of our cultural reality.” Jacob Grech, 12, told Times of Malta he feels libraries do not play a prominent role.
“I much prefer to buy books online, from a book store or borrow them from school. I walked into the Floriana library and did not get a good impression at all. It was very drab and there was no real order in the way the books were placed.
“The staff wasn’t particularly helpful, either.”
The library needs a lot more colour to feel more uplifting, he continued. More activities should be organised to attract people to public libraries.
“Libraries need to be interactive spaces,” he said.