Newcastle has a lot to be proud of – especially when it comes to its libraries. City of Newcastle Libraries have officially been crowned number one in New South Wales, topping the charts for book loans, membership numbers, and home delivery services.
In the 2024 financial year alone, more than 1.7 million items were borrowed, which is nearly four times the state average.
And with more than 158,000 members on the books, Newcastle Libraries aren’t just busy, they’re booming. Whether it’s borrowing a novel, attending an author talk, or brushing up on digital skills, the community is clearly making the most of what’s on offer.
But perhaps one of the most heartwarming stats is around the Home Library Service, which delivered more than 47,000 items to people unable to visit a branch. That’s over 600% higher than the state average.
Newcastle also landed second in NSW for e-audio book loans and third for toy and game collections, proving it’s not just about paperbacks anymore.
In fact, the library’s entire collection spans everything from artwork and historic maps to puzzles and kids’ toys – over a million items in total across its 13 branches.
The foot traffic speaks for itself, with close to 700,000 visits recorded last year. That’s more than double the state average. Plus, over 49,000 people took part in one of the library’s 2,200+ events and programs, whether it was storytime for the little ones or history talks for the grown-ups.
Newcastle’s library success isn’t just luck—it’s the result of serious commitment and collaboration. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Head to newcastlelibraries.com.au to find your nearest branch, browse the collection, or join for free.
