(Photo/CFP)

Jiangsu Province released its 2024 public library report on April 20, revealing that readers made an average of 8.69 library visits and borrowed 21 books per person over the course of the year.

The report covers 13 city-level libraries, 98 county-level libraries and 7 children’s libraries, with 2,190 branch libraries and 24,000 service points across the province.

According to the report, the province’s public libraries housed more than 100 million books in total by the end of 2024, an increase of 4 million books compared to the previous year, and recorded over 65 million visits from readers.

Middle-aged and young adults made up over 60% of borrowers. Regarding borrowing habits, female readers accounted for over 56% of the total, showing a preference for literature, parenting, and emotional well-being books. Male readers tended to favor history, science and technology, and military-related topics.