The decentralisation of the area libraries

Abstract

The principal aim in opening the District Circulating Libraries in August 1922 was to make books more easily and readily accessible to readers in localities which were at some distance from the main library centres. These District Libraries continued to exist and by the year 1974 there were 47 such libraries, 36 in Malta and 11 in Gozo. However, several factors, such as their small and outdated book-stock, the improved means of public transport and the more efficient service given by the new public library gave rise to a policy of reorganisation. Consequently a comprehensive Branch Libraries Project was devised and new Branch Libraries, run on modern lines, were set up starting in March 1979. Today the Central Public Library manages six Regional Libraries and fifty-one Branch Libraries on a professional basis. On the 8th March 1999 two model Cooperation Agreements were signed between the Department of Libraries and Archives and the Association of Local Councils. This Agreement induces more focused management reflecting the need of the locality.