Fast Facts and Figures

There are 17.1 million visits made to public libraries each year.
There are 19.3 million books, audio books, CDs and DVDs borrowed from public libraries annually.
There are 1.9 million Internet sessions provided each year on 2,100 Internet access PCs and via free wi-fi.
There are 336 branch libraries and 31.5 mobile libraries.
Local Authorities will spend an estimated €126 million on library services in 2012.
Local Authorities spent an estimated €7.6 million on stock in 2012, an average of €1.67 per capita.

A list of the library authorities, with their contact details, is available in the section: Your Public Library Service.

See also our public library statistics in the publications section of this website.

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has responsibility for public libraries at central government level and provides grants for new public library developments.