In 2020, as Malta grappled with lockdowns and the closure of schools and libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Literacy Agency of Malta launched the Aqra d-Dar/Read at Home programme. The aim was straightforward yet vital: to ensure children could continue accessing books and sustain their reading habits, even while staying safe indoors. Books were delivered directly to families’ doorsteps, a simple gesture that made a meaningful difference during a challenging time.
Over the past five years, this modest and practical response has evolved into a programme that is now part of daily life for many families across Malta and Gozo. Today, Read at Home serves more than 3,800 subscribers. Children select up to six books at a time from our expanding catalogues, which feature titles in both Maltese and English. We handle the delivery to wherever suits them best. When the books have been enjoyed, families simply apply again, and we exchange them for new selections. In many ways, it is like having a library that comes to you.
The programme has grown in step with the readers it supports. Our library now offers over 2,600 distinct titles and more than 18,000 books in total, with fresh additions regularly introduced to reflect children’s changing interests. The collection caters for readers of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teenagers up to 17 years old. It includes picture books, chapter books, novels, graphic novels, interactive books, and a growing selection of dyslexia-friendly titles. From laugh-out-loud stories to gripping adventures, and from fact-packed non-fiction to much-loved series, there is something to spark the imagination of every young reader.
What started as a side initiative has since become a fully-fledged programme, driven by a dedicated team committed to promoting literacy. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are introducing a rewards scheme to recognise and encourage those children who show a genuine passion for reading.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on ensuring that books continue to inspire, challenge and delight young readers, and that reading remains a joyful, accessible part of family life for years to come.
