Demand for public library services remained robust throughout Prince Edward Island in 2025, as per a recent announcement by the province. Islanders borrowed a total of 735,151 library items over the past year, marking a significant seven percent increase from 2024 and ranking among the highest circulation figures on record. Topping the list as the most borrowed title of the year was “The Grey Wolf” authored by Louise Penny.
Grace Dawson, the director of libraries in P.E.I., attributed this surge in demand to the prevailing financial challenges faced by many residents. She highlighted the increasing reliance on free resources such as libraries, offering amenities like free Wi-Fi, books, and various programs that might otherwise be financially out of reach for individuals.
In a bid to enhance accessibility, the Community Care Facility Delivery Service transported 4,359 books and items directly to community care facilities and nursing homes. Another 5,843 items were distributed to early learning and child care centers across the province, ensuring access to reading materials and educational resources for individuals of all ages.
Notably, the utilization of digital resources like e-books and audiobooks continued to rise within the library system. Dawson emphasized the growing popularity of platforms such as OverDrive and its mobile app, Libby, which, if treated as a physical branch, would rank as the second-highest circulating location in the province after the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre.
Despite the increasing demand for digital content, Dawson acknowledged the associated costs and limitations. Libraries face higher charges for purchasing e-books from publishers and have constraints on the number of checkouts allowed for each title. Despite these challenges, P.E.I. Public Library Services plans to allocate a significant portion of its budget to online resources to meet the evolving needs of library users.
Furthermore, the P.E.I. Public Library Service broadened its programming offerings in 2025, conducting over 5,000 programs across 25 public libraries that attracted more than 50,000 participants. These programs catered to diverse age groups and interests, ranging from story times and toddler sessions to specialized clubs like Dungeons and Dragons for teens and technology sessions for older adults.
In a move to diversify their collections, Island libraries introduced new non-traditional items in 2025, including ghost-hunting kits, LaunchPads loaded with educational games for children, Heart Health kits, and cognitive care kits for individuals with early-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s. These innovative additions have been well-received by library patrons seeking unique learning experiences.
For a comprehensive list of non-traditional specialty items available at Island libraries, interested individuals can refer to the province’s website.
