The 261,000 loans: Who is the most successful author in Israel?
New data revealed following a freedom of information request highlights the most requested authors in public libraries for 2024. The leader of the list and the ongoing debate regarding the remuneration ceiling.
Data on book loans in Israeli public libraries, released this Thursday following a freedom of information request, offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation's reading habits and the authors the public prefers most.
According to findings obtained by the organization "Hatzlacha - for the promotion of a fair society," one author stood head and shoulders above the rest in 2024: veteran writer Galila Ron-Feder-Amit, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and the President's Medal of Distinction.
Ron-Feder-Amit's books recorded an impressive 261,000 loans in 2024. She is a household name for generations of readers thanks to iconic series such as "Gingi," "Time Tunnel," and "To Myself." Despite this massive volume, her total remuneration was capped at 18,000 shekels—the maximum allowed—resulting in a meager payment of 0.07 shekels per loan.
In second place, with 181,000 loans, is author Avraham Ohayon. A prolific writer well-known in the Haredi sector, he is behind successful series like "I Defeated You, Eichmann," "The Great Luminaries," and the "Titanic" series. Like the other top-tier authors, Ohayon received a global sum of 18,000 shekels, reflecting a rate of 0.10 shekels per loan.
Third place goes to Menuha Fuchs, an educator and leading children's author in the Haredi sector. Her well-known works, including "Roni Sipuroni," "Iris Kindergarten Children," and "Family Nest," were borrowed 91,000 times. Her remuneration also stands at 18,000 shekels (0.20 shekels per loan).
In fourth place is Meira Barnea-Goldberg, author of the massive bestseller series "Karamel," which has become a cultural phenomenon among children and youth. Her books were borrowed 59,000 times, granting her a payment of 0.31 shekels per loan within the 18,000-shekel cap.
Rounding out the top five is Yanetz Levi, author of the beloved "Uncle Ari's Adventures" and "Forest Man Stories," with 45,000 loans (0.40 shekels per loan).
These figures highlight the immense popularity of children's and youth literature, alongside the significant presence of Haredi authors. At the same time, the current payment structure raises serious questions about how the state compensates creators, specifically whether an 18,000-shekel ceiling is appropriate and why such data is not routinely made public.
