[Exclusive] Post-COVID library book lending sees first decline; who reversed the trend?

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea has experienced a decline in library book lending. Data from the first half of 2024 reveals a drop in overall lending figures, falling below 2023 levels. This trend marks a significant shift after years of consistent growth in library usage following the pandemic's peak.

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The national library lending volume, which had steadily increased over the past five years, turned to a downward trend for the first time this year.

The analysis, based on data from over 1,600 libraries nationwide, indicates that adult book lending, excluding children's and educational materials, saw a notable decrease. While women have historically been the primary users of libraries, their borrowing rates experienced a sharper decline compared to men in the first half of this year. This contrasts with the previous five years, where women's borrowing had been a key driver of the overall increase in lending.

Young adults, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, who have been instrumental in driving the "text-hip" culture and boosting library engagement, showed a significant drop in their borrowing rates. This demographic shift is seen as a major factor contributing to the overall decrease in lending. Meanwhile, older demographics, such as those in their 50s, showed an increase in borrowing.

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In terms of adult book lending, women's borrowing decreased by 5.2% and men's by 4.7%.

Interestingly, the surge in popularity surrounding author Han Kang, following her Nobel Prize win, did not appear to significantly boost library lending among men. While women's adult book borrowing increased slightly in early 2024, men's borrowing saw a slight decrease, and then fell below 2023 levels. The data suggests a complex interplay of factors influencing reading habits, including generational trends and the impact of major literary events.

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The Nobel Prize in Literature win by author Han Kang at the end of 2024, which shook the book market, seemed ineffective for male library borrowers.