A survey conducted in November 1997 for An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, the Library Council, shows that almost one third of the adult population uses public libraries. The survey found that single men use the library more than single women, who use the library more than married women, who in turn use the service more than married men, according to Norma McDermott, director of the Library Council.

The report highlights the fact that people in the socalled C1 social group (lower middle class) are the most frequent users of the service, followed by people in the D and E groups. The A and B groups (professional and middle classes) are infrequent users, while farmers use the service least of all.

In Britain, McDermott notes, the AB groups are the most regular users. "A wider range of people use public libraries in Ireland than they do in the UK," she says.

The 35-to-49 age group is the biggest user, followed by the 15-to-24 age group. People aged over 65 use the service least of all. "The population is becoming more educated," she says. "We're noticing an increase in usage among the younger age group. Our own statistics show that under-15s are the largest users. There is a significant increase in the number of items they are borrowing."