Book borrowing from public and municipal libraries in Greece, increased by 3.5% in 2025, with fiction remaining by far the most popular choice among readers.
A total of 876,885 books were borrowed from libraries, which were included in a study conducted by the Collective Management Organization for Literary Works (OSDEL), compared to 846,225 in 2024. The increase marks the second consecutive year of growth, reflecting the key role of public and municipal libraries in providing free access to books, knowledge and cultural resources.
The figures were compiled through questionnaires completed by 25 public libraries, 54 municipal libraries, and five children’s libraries. OSDEL estimates that the actual number of books borrowed nationwide was closer to 2 million in 2025 when all public and municipal libraries are taken into account. The estimate does not include school or university libraries.
Public libraries recorded 299,475 book loans during the year, while municipal libraries accounted for 577,410. OSDEL data also points to a strong focus on fiction, particularly among adult readers. Adult fiction accounted for 44.5% of all books borrowed in 2025, followed by children’s fiction at 17.4% and children’s picture books at 13.7%. Together, the three leading categories represented more than three-quarters of all books borrowed.
Greek authors also featured prominently among readers‘ choices. Popular fiction writer Lena Manta had six titles among the 10 most-borrowed books of the year, according to the study. Foreign authors borrowed extensively included German children’s author Jürgen Banscherus, Italian author Elisabetta-Maria Dami, American writer Jeff Kinney, French author René Goscinny, American author Renée-Rachel Russell and Dav Pilkey of the United States. The list also included French children’s author Orianne Lallemand, British author Roger Hargreaves, Daisy Meadows and crime novelist Agatha Christie.
Earlier this year, Athens hosted its first International Literature Festival as part of efforts to promote reading and literary culture.
