Book loans from libraries up by 3% in 2012

The National Office of statistics said that book loans in 2012 reached 848,167 last year, up by 3% over 2011. Trade statistics showed that 14,424 printed books and periodicals were imported during last year. More than two-thirds were imports of printed books, while a further 32 % were imports of periodicals. On the other hand, total exports of printed material and periodicals reached 3,936. Book acquisitions by public libraries reached 37,358, a drop of 10 % over the previous year. Book donations continued to be the main source of library acquisitions, with nearly three-fourths of books being donated to public libraries. Books received at the National Library of Malta under legal deposit increased by a quarter over the previous year - from 483 to 604 in 2012. The number of periodicals also advanced by 8 % . Last year, libraries in Malta and Gozo registered 5,456 new memberships, of which 86% were recorded in Malta. More than half were junior members . The total number of book loans reached 848,167 in 2012, increasing for the second consecutive year, by 3 %. Loans from public libraries were mostly registered in the Southern Harbour District, accounting for 45 % of the total. These were followed by loans from libraries from the Northern Harbour District, at 144,147, or 17 % of the total. An overall increase of 12 % was reported in private consumption on books, newspapers and periodicals when compared to 2011 levels. Moreover, National Accounts data indicate a share of 1.15 % of total private consumption expenditure being spent on printed material, of which over 55 % was spent on book.