Printed books are making a comeback – borrowing is at its busiest in 20 years. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
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Libraries in Finland registered a record number of book loans in 2024, marking the highest level since 2005, according to the literary copyright agency Sanasto.
Children’s fiction continued to dominate borrowing trends, setting a new annual record for the third consecutive year. Printed book loans overall increased by four percent compared to 2023.
The rise in borrowing has not translated into increased earnings for writers. Sanasto reported that compensation paid to authors for library loans has decreased, despite the surge in usage.
The agency did not specify the reasons behind the decline.
The top three most borrowed Finnish novels were all written by Satu Rämö, a Finnish-Icelandic author whose popularity has grown sharply in recent years.
The figures reflect continued strong engagement with public libraries, particularly among younger readers. Sanasto noted that this resurgence in borrowing underscores the role of libraries in maintaining access to literature, even as digital consumption rises.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
