Overview

• A survey found almost one third of public libraries faced austerity measures last year and nearly one in five cut their budgets by at least 10 percent
• Public libraries recorded 110 million visits in 2024, an increase of eight million patrons compared with the previous year
• Media loans climbed to 270 million last year, six million more than in 2023, reflecting sustained demand since the pandemic
• Branches have diversified their offerings to include tool lending, musical instruments and seed libraries as part of community sustainability efforts
• Some 3,000 professionals at the 9th Library Congress in Bremen are discussing strategies to secure municipal support and adapt services to rising demand