The library network in Fuengirola has reported significant growth, surpassing 40,000 members and registering 22,810 visits during September and October. Culture Councillor Rodrigo Romero presented these figures, highlighting an increase of 315 new members in the past two months, bringing the total to 40,374 users.
Despite a 9% decrease in overall visitor numbers compared to the same period last year, when 25,153 visits were recorded, the number of users borrowing books has risen by 2%, totalling 4,303. During this period, 11,303 loans were made, with 10,782 being books. The study rooms welcomed 5,749 users, with the Javier Castillo del Elola room, which has extended hours and is open on weekends and holidays, attracting 4,957 visitors.
Technological resources also saw positive trends, with internet service usage increasing by 11% and Wi-Fi connections up by 19%, amounting to 6,939 users connected. The library network continues to expand and update its collections, adding 864 new titles to its three municipal libraries, compared to 661 in the same period last year.
Increased cultural activities and participation
One of the most notable aspects of the report is the substantial growth in cultural programming, which has seen a 74% increase in activities and a 51% rise in participation compared to the same timeframe last year. Particularly striking is the 142% increase in children's activities.
Highlights of the cultural initiatives include the Perita Cuentos Fuengirola Oral Storytelling Festival, held from 16 to 19 September, which attracted 838 attendees. The sixth season of the Fuengirola entre Letras cycle also commenced, featuring participation from Mexican author Brenda Navarro, Lucia Solla, author of Comerás flores, and Marta San Miguel, all drawing significant public interest.
Another key cultural event was the presentation of the V International Illustrated Album Award 'Ciudad de Fuengirola' on 26 October at the Miguel de Cervantes Library, attended by Mayor Ana Mula. The award was given to Charo Pita and Marjorie Pourchet for their work Tira que tira, while the runner-up accolade went to Txabi Arnal and Roger Olmos for Diez gatos aburridos. Both albums, published by OQO, were showcased during the event and are now available in bookstores.
Coinciding with the award ceremony, the first Fuengirola Ilustra workshops dedicated to illustrated albums took place on 26 and 27 October, filling all available slots and attracting educators and enthusiasts. The sessions featured talks from the award-winning authors and jury members, with live streaming available on the library network's YouTube channel.
Upcoming activities
The programming will continue through November and December with new offerings, including participation in the Gráficas!26 Festival organised by the Andalusian Centre for Letters, featuring creator and illustrator Ana Miralles. Additionally, the deadline for entries to the VI Fuengirola Leyendo Award will close on 16 November, with awards presented on 30 November in categories such as BookFace, bookmarks, and 'I read and recommend'. All winners will receive a selection of books.
The Afinidades cycle will include a session with Sara Duque, coordinator of the Asian Reading Club, while Fuengirola entre Letras will host Isabel Bono on 12 November and Raúl Quinto on 20 November. Finally, the bases for the VI International Illustrated Album Award 'Ciudad de Fuengirola' have been announced, with the poster designed by Marjorie Pourchet, the winner of the last edition. The submission period for entries will remain open until 28 February 2027.
