NSW public libraries launch biggest membership drive in history

This Library and Information Week (27 July to 2 August), NSW public libraries are launching their most ambitious campaign in 87 years, which aims to grow membership to 50 percent of the state and connect more people with the life-changing benefits of libraries.

More than 3 million people (40 percent of the NSW population) currently belong to their public library. Minister for the Arts, the Hon John Graham MLC, believes thousands more could benefit from these free, vital ‘third spaces’, which are funded in partnership with local councils and supported by the NSW Government.

Minister Graham said: “We know people love libraries. New research into the social impact of libraries, commissioned by the State Library of NSW,* confirms what we’ve known all along — libraries contribute to healthier, smarter and more connected communities. Providing free access to knowledge through books, online resources and educational programs has never mattered more.”

"We see these benefits day in and day out, which is why this Government has invested a record $42.2 million in funding in 2026/27 for public libraries to improve their buildings, services and collections to better serve their communities.”

The membership drive is a key action of the NSW Government’s Stories Matter: A Writing and Literature Strategy for NSW, helping to ensure more people can access the books, resources, programs and opportunities that libraries provide right across the state.

NSW’s 365 library branches, including 27 mobile libraries, recorded 28.2 million visits and 41.2 loans in 2024/25. Annual visits have increased by 3 million and loans by almost 7 million since 2019/20.

According to State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon: “Libraries are special places. They provide one of our most valuable public services, and at their core libraries will always be about free and equitable access to books and information. If you haven’t visited one recently, you may be surprised by the extraordinary range of services, collections and spaces they offer — all free with a library card.

 The offerings of libraries include:

• An extensive range of audiobooks, ebooks and other digital resources
• Reference assistance and family history support
• Access to books and newspapers in 43 languages
• Unusual borrowing collections including ukuleles, telescopes, seeds and cake tins
• Family programs, cultural events and special interest groups such as book clubs, knitting clubs and Tai Chi classes
• Dedicated spaces for learning and creativity: language cafes, makers spaces, sewing stations, recording studios and editing suites
• Out-of-hours and 24-hour access (e.g. Forestville, Manly, Eastwood and Gordon libraries).

“Free books are just the beginning. Whether you’re looking to access free wi-fi, download new-release ebooks, learn something new, trace your family history, join a storytime session, find a quiet space to work or study, gather with friends, or meet new people, your public library is here for you,” says Dr Butler-Bowdon.

“We know the positive impacts libraries have on individuals and their communities, and the challenge now is making sure every person knows what their local library can offer them.”

Over 500 people have shared what their library means to them as part of the State Library’s 200th Anniversary initiative, The Library That Made Me, an online portal that invites library lovers to share their personal stories. Some examples include:

Jett from Sutherland Public Library: “I usually come here with my friends and it plays a pretty big role in how I study. I find it hard keeping a clean desk at home, so I can just come here and set up shop and stay for hours.”

Lhamo from Dee Why Public Library: I was born in Tibet ... When I first came to Australia [in 2022], I always come here to read and then meet with the other people ... I come here for [her daughter's] Tibetan storytelling class and it's amazing, it's really helpful for us.”

Jack from Orange Library: “I've been coming to the library every morning for about the last eight years. The library, to me, is a place where I can come, read the paper, get a book, get a movie. In other words, it provides a fair bit of entertainment for me …"

Read more stories and contribute your own story here: sl.nsw.gov.au/shareyourstory

Help NSW reach 50% membership and join your public library today:
sl.nsw.gov.au/join-your-library