Library visits in Saxony-Anhalt break records-numbers rise!

Library visits in Saxony-Anhalt break records-numbers rise!

Sachsen-Anhalt, Deutschland - The libraries in Saxony-Anhalt have a pleasant increase in the number of visitors. In 2023, over 1.78 million people visited the approximately 140 public libraries in the state, after about 1.59 million in 2022 and 1.46 million in 2021, such as FAZ.net reports. This development shows that interest in literary and media offers is unchanged.

At the same time, the number of media output rose from almost 4.85 million in 2022 to 5.12 million in 2023. Children's book media in particular are enjoying growing popularity: 156,400 children's media were borrowed, an increase of more than 22,000 compared to the previous year.

The role of the driving libraries

The driving libraries in Saxony-Anhalt, which are operated in the cities of Halle, Magdeburg as well as in the Altmarks and the Salzwedel and Osterburg city and district libraries, have also become more important. In 2023 they recorded over 259,700 borrowings, which represents an increase of around 26,500 compared to 2022.

Despite the increase in use, there are also challenges. The number of new acquisitions in the libraries has decreased, from over 165,500 media in 2022 to around 151.100 in 2023. This is mainly due to the price increases in books that have increased by about 20% in the past four to five years, as well as stagnating funding from the country. The municipalities are financially under pressure and can often not provide any additional funds.

Promotion of reading skills and digital use

The libraries in Saxony-Anhalt have set themselves the goal of promoting reading skills, especially in children and families. It should be emphasized positively that from 2023 the use of libraries for all up to 18-year-olds in Magdeburg is free, which has led to an increase in the registration of young people. This is also reflected in the increasing use of digital media, where over 14,700 users were registered in 2023, compared to almost 14,100 in 2022.

The demand for digital formats has also increased, with almost 620,200 borrowing in 2023, which won around 564,700 in 2022. The entire existence of digital media comprises around 112,700 titles, including e-books, audio books and digital magazines. This is in accordance with the current trends in which users are increasingly prefer digital sources of information, but also appreciate the structured form of books.

statistical surveys and their importance

The state statistics for the reporting year 2023 have been revised to leave the offers and the care of the libraries in Saxony-Anhalt more transparently. This information is based on the statistical report on the population movement and are used to illustrate the access options of the libraries in the various counties. The German library statistics also offers comprehensive evaluations for the performance analysis of public libraries.

With these statistics, it is possible to compare library services and observe their development over time. The overview and evaluation of the key figures of the libraries after counties ensure that the needs of the population continue to focus on and the offers can be adapted accordingly.

The libraries in Saxony-Anhalt therefore face the challenge of dealing with increasing demand with limited resources. Nevertheless, the latest statistics show that the number of reader and the interest in literature and education are growing.