8 out of 10 library books checked out by children

By Fiachra Ó Cionnaith“2 b r not 2 b, dat is de q” may be a phrase that sounds more Bertie than Shakespeare, and “all animals r =” will ensure a fail grade in almost any English literature exam.

But while the text-speak terms are a far cry from the literary world, teenagers appear to have a secret hidden up their hoodies.

A major survey has found Irish children are among the top public library book borrowers, with youth category authors accounting for eight of the 10 most popular works taken out on loan last year.