Library Books Booming in Copenhagen: Loans Up 39 Percent in Three Years

A targeted focus on literature and reading has reversed a long-standing downward trend in Copenhagen’s libraries. New figures from Statistics Denmark show that library book lending in the Danish capital has increased significantly.

According to newly published data from Statistics Denmark, Copenhagen residents made 4 million physical and digital book loans in 2025. That is 1.1 million more than in 2022.

Both physical and digital book lending have increased. In particular, digital lending has grown so strongly that Copenhagen recorded the highest increase in the country in that category. The development reflects the municipality’s increased prioritisation of literature and reading in both physical and digital formats.

At the same time, the number of active borrowers has risen by 37 percent. This means that it is not only the same residents borrowing more books, but also new borrowers joining the libraries.

“For me, the library is the municipality’s most important meeting place. It is where we train our critical thinking, and where people can meet regardless of background or financial situation. It is where we build our shared defence against misinformation and ‘tunnel vision’. Therefore, it is extremely positive for the development of the city and society that Copenhageners actively continue choosing the library again and again. At the same time, it obliges us politicians at City Hall to continue investing in access to the world of books, so hopefully even more people can benefit from them in the future,” says Copenhagen’s Mayor for Culture, Leisure and Citizen Services, Christopher Røhl of the Social Liberal Party.

Physical book lending in Copenhagen has increased by 35 percent since 2022. The rise comes despite physical library lending having been under pressure in Denmark for more than a decade, while concerns about children’s declining interest in reading have dominated public debate. In Copenhagen, however, the trend is moving in the opposite direction.

Since libraries fully reopened following several years of coronavirus restrictions, total book lending in Copenhagen has risen by 39 percent, compared with 15 percent nationwide.

Returning to the Core of Literature

With the Library Plan 2019–2023, Copenhagen Libraries placed literature and reading at the centre of their strategy. The mission was clear: to create enthusiastic readers, critical cultural consumers and engaged citizens.

An important part of the strategy was a dedicated focus on children. In recent years, the City of Copenhagen has therefore created newly designed children’s libraries across the city, including the children’s floor “LÆS” at the Central Library, increased purchases of children’s books and established the children’s book festival “Vi Elsker Bøger” (“We Love Books”).

The results are visible in the figures. Until 2021, children’s books accounted for less than half of all loans in Copenhagen. In 2025, they make up 57 percent.

“The joy of reading begins in childhood. And there is nothing more magical than seeing a child disappear into the world of books, where they can develop both their imagination and reading skills. Therefore, it is also positive that through a focused effort we have increased lending to the city’s children. When we politicians choose to become really good at one thing instead of mediocre at many, it is possible to create change. The focus on children has proven that,” says Christopher Røhl.

With the 2026 budget agreement, all parties in Copenhagen’s City Council have allocated DKK 20 million annually until 2029 for additional library staffing and increased budgets for materials and activities.