In an initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the Maltese language and culture abroad, over 850 Maltese books are being sent to six countries around the world – Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy and Belgium – to establish Maltese-language libraries for diasporic communities.

The first set of books has already arrived at the Maltese Embassy in Brussels, marking the beginning of this cultural project. Shipments to other embassies are currently en route, creating new hubs of Maltese literature thousands of kilometres away from the islands.

This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between Maltese diplomatic missions and national cultural entities, aiming to serve the growing interest in Maltese identity among citizens living abroad. Each library will cater to a wide range of readers, with books spanning genres and age groups – from educational material and popular stories to comics translated into Maltese.

For those less fluent in the Maltese language, or those that don’t speak the language at all, Malta Libraries has included English-language books about Maltese heritage, ensuring accessibility while still sharing the islands’ history and traditions across the seas.

Academic Dr Charles Daniel Saliba has also donated full sets of ‘Maltese for Foreigners’ (Level 1), making it easier for non-native speakers to learn the language. Author Charles Buttigieg has also added titles from his beloved series ‘Karamellu tar-Raħal t’Isfel’, a favourite among young readers.

So if you're a Maltese expat looking to reconnect, or someone eager to discover more about this tiny Mediterranean nation, keep an eye out for these libraries!

What's your favourite Maltese book?