Libraries and books

Libraries have an important role in the society: to preserve cultural heritage and make information available everywhere in Estonia. Libraries also help people navigate the information society, support lifelong learning and develop reading habits.

Estonia’s library network functions on the basis of common principles and long traditions, ensuring that people have free access to information. Libraries have also become community centres where various events take place and other services are offered. One in two people in Estonia visits libraries.

The statistics on libraries and books provide information such as:

• the number of different types of libraries in Estonia;
• how often people visit libraries;
• how many books and other items are borrowed;
• the size of library collections;
• the income and expenditure of libraries;
• differences in the use of libraries by region.

Data on libraries are collected and processed by the National Library of Estonia. The statistics are commissioned by the Ministry of Culture who uses the data to coordinate and develop the library network.