More than a million Croatian inhabitants hold the library membership

We celebrate Croatian Libraries Day

Reading, and therefore collecting, storing and using different records, is an activity that goes back a long way into the past, even several thousand years BC. The oldest libraries are considered to be those from the time of the ancient Egyptians, while, beginning with the magnificent collections of the rulers of that time, the libraries expanded and developed over the centuries. They have been modernised, many have been digitised and thus have proven that they are not only a place for reading, but also for socialising, exchanging knowledge and absorbing different forms of art. The Croatian Libraries Day, which is celebrated on 11 November, is a reminder of this as well.

What is hidden in Croatian libraries?

In 2021, there were a total of 1 760 libraries in Croatia, including one national library, 879 libraries in basic schools, 363 libraries in secondary schools, 102 libraries at institutions of higher education, university and scientific libraries, 316 public libraries and 99 specialised libraries. They gather a large community that has more than 1.1 million members, of which 42% held membership in libraries in basic and secondary schools, and 39% in public libraries. As for the latter – public libraries are more often visited by women, since they make up 64% of the members.



It is often said that libraries are home to millions of books. It is indeed confirmed by the fact that there were
28.2 million books in libraries in 2021. However, a part of the large book materials consisted of 2.8 million magazines, 235 thousand newspapers, 585 thousand manuscripts and evaluation papers, 20 thousand toys and didactic games and more than half a million other book materials. The majority, more precisely 85% of the book materials, were used outside the libraries, while 15% were used in the library. When it comes to library operations and equipment, it should be noted that 91% of all libraries had an integrated reading room, 65% had a multimedia department, and 92% were equipped with wireless internet.

But in addition to reading and working, libraries are also used for learning and playing as well as a place for holding workshops, exchanging knowledge and experiences. During 2021, there were 33 thousand library visits and 18 thousand workshops were held.

Libraries are often visited virtually as well. Websites and library catalogues were visited more than 29 million times in 2021 to get information about the book materials and events in libraries, but also to borrow e-books. It was precisely virtual visits that accounted for 74% of all visits in 2021.
A total of 4 192 employees, 84% of whom are women, took care of the functioning of the libraries.

Come and visit the library dedicated to statistics

The Croatian Bureau of Statistics has a rich library fond, with around 30 000 titles, as well as a long tradition. Founded way back in 1875, it is one of the oldest specialised libraries in Croatia. It is a true catalogue of statistical knowledge throughout history, since the oldest examples date from the 19th century, such as the Population Census from 1857, but it also follows novelties from the world of statistics.
Thus, it increases its fond every year, and since this year, it has been possible to view a part of the fond in the online catalogue, which is continuously updated. By entering the author's name, title, subject designation or classification code in the search engine, it is possible to search bibliographic records in the catalogue, through which again online access to the complete content of individual publications is enabled. It is a great opportunity to search the library fond and make it easier to find the necessary information.

In addition to virtual visits, physical visits are also possible because the library is open to the public. Whether you are looking for statistical data from past periods or for theoretical statistical knowledge, you could find answers in books and publications such as CBS publications, statistical publications of national statistical offices around the world as well as publications of international institutions. They are available to external users in the reading room for consideration and use every working day, with the obligatory appointment arrangement.

And finally, remember what JK Rowling wrote – when in doubt, go to the library. See you!

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