In a news release Tuesday, the province said Islanders borrowed 735,151 library items over the past year — one of the highest circulation totals on record and a seven per cent increase compared to 2024.
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny was the most borrowed title of the year.
Grace Dawson, P.E.I.’s director of libraries, said the growing demand reflects the financial pressures many Islanders are facing.
“I think you can see with the financial and economic climate as it is that people really are struggling in terms of being able to have that extra income to access resources,” Dawson told CBC News.
“So they’re turning to free institutions like libraries, where they can access things like free Wi-Fi, books, a lot of other types of free resources and programming that they might not be able to access otherwise.”
In addition to in-library services, the Community Care Facility Delivery Service delivered 4,359 books and items directly to community care facilities and nursing homes.
“A further 5,843 items were delivered to early learning and child care centres across the province, helping ensure access to books and learning resources for residents of all ages,” the release said.