Library loans exceed 1.2 million in South Dublin in 2025

More than 1.2 million items were borrowed from South Dublin’s public libraries in 2025, the highest figure recorded to date.

Borrowing rose by over a quarter since 2023, when 943,115 loans were logged. The number increased to 1,005,404 in 2024 before surpassing the 1.2 million mark in 2025.

Footfall also grew, with South Dublin County Council reporting 972,403 library visits last year, up from 946,412 in 2024 and 836,133 in 2023.

Despite the rise in visits and loans, registered library users fell to 45,986 in 2025 from 47,604 in 2024. Active membership, which includes digital service users and those borrowing or returning items, was recorded at 60,002, a slight decline from 60,829 the previous year.

The council’s public programme remained robust, delivering 8,542 events in 2025 – an increase from 7,761 in 2024 – and attracting 150,621 attendees, up from 149,191 the year before. In the first nine months of 2026, 5,776 events drew 100,113 attendees, with final‑year figures yet to be added.

Source: Dublin Gazette. Photo: ubeyonroad / Pexels.