Books by Irish authors are very popular with Irish library users. Five of the top ten borrowed books in January are books of Irish authors. The most borrowed Irish author, coming in third overall, was Maeve Binchy.
The author of the most borrowed book, however, won’t get anything from PLR! The Official Driver Theory Test was the most borrowed book in January, but official publications are not eligible for payment.
Prolific US writer James Patterson joins our Top 10 list in seventh place. He has been the UK’s most borrowed author for the last two years from July 2006-June 2008.
The most popular author in Irish libraries is the prolific Francesca Simon, who along with illustrator Tony Ross, is behind the Horrid Henry series.
The ‘most borrowed statistics’ are compiled by the PLR Office from data provided by library services around the country. The Top 10 National List of Most Borrowed Titles and Authors below is compiled using the Top 100 titles from each of the public library authorities.
The data below are from January 2009.
Most borrowed books in January 2009
1. The Official Driver Theory Test – Prometric/Road Safety Authority
2. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – John Boyne
3. This charming man – Marian Keyes
4. Heart and soul – Maeve Binchy
5. This year it will be different – Maeve Binchy
6. Forgive and forget – Patricia Scanlan
7. My sister Jodie – Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
8. Someone special – Sheila O’Flanagan
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- J.K. Rowling
10.The Secret Scripture – Sebastian Barry
Most borrowed authors in January 2009
1. Francesca Simon; illustrated by Tony Ross
2. Jacqueline Wilson: illustrated by Nick Sharratt
3. Maeve Binchy
4. Cecelia Ahern
5. J.K. Rowling
6. Daisy Meadows: illustrated by Georgie Ripper
7. James Patterson
8. Sheila O’Flanagan
9. John Boyne
10. Marian Keyes
The PLR Registrar is satisfied for the information in this release to be made widely accessible, provided that PLR’s role in compiling the information is acknowledged.
Tags: Irish authors, Irish PLR, Library Council, PLR, Public Lending Remuneration
