City of Newcastle libraries have taken the top spot when ranked against other councils in NSW.
Among the many accolades was the prestigious title for total number of items borrowed with more than 1.7 million loans during the last year, as well as highest number of library members (more than 150,000).
Newcastle libraries also claimed the top spot in NSW for home library services, delivering more than 47,000 items to residents unable to visit in person, seven times the state average.
Residents Peter and Jeannette Lee get a highly anticipated delivery of books to their door from Cityof Newcastle's home library service delivery coordinator Glenn Wardman.
The statistics were compiled by the State Library of NSW for the 2024 financial year. A key component of Newcastle Libraries' success is its partnership with Port Stephens and Dungog Libraries.
City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the results show how deeply embedded our libraries are in the daily lives of the community.
"To be leading the state across multiple key areas is a credit to the dedication of our library team and a reflection of the trust and value our communities place in their local libraries," Ms Baird said.
"Whether it's borrowing a book, attending one of our events, or learning a new skill, Newcastle Libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of our residents.
"Use of our home library service is more than 600% above the state average, demonstrating our commitment to making library services accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age, mobility or health."
Jeanette and Peter Lee, who have been using the City of Newcastle's home library service for the past two years, say it has brought comfort, connection and a sense of normalcy during a time of change in their lives.
"When your world and independence change, having access to books through this service helps protect your mental health. This service helps keep the mind active, and when our monthly delivery arrives, it's like Christmas. It helps restore little pieces of what used to be normal life," Mrs Lee said.
"Books become companions. In our age group, loneliness is very real, but when you've got a book you've got a friend. The staff always ask what we like to read, and we can request large print, it means a lot to be asked about what matters to us. It's more than convenience, it's care."
Newcastle Libraries, with their joint library partners, Port Stephens and Dungog Libraries, hold the largest collection in the state, with almost a million items ranging from books, artworks and subdivision maps to local history items, e-audio collections, toys and games.
Library visitation rates and program attendance are nearly double the state average, while membership is the highest in NSW, growing 15 per cent to more than 150,000 people.
Our libraries also ranked second in NSW for e-audio circulation and third for toy and game collection loans.
"Our doors welcomed almost 700,000 visitors into our branches during this 12-month period, including those who attended our diverse calendar of events and programs, from children's story time and digital skills training to author talks, local history presentations and inclusive outreach events," Ms Baird said.
"Our continued growth reflects City of Newcastle's ongoing and significant investment in local library services, which provide valuable recreational, educational and social opportunities for all members of our community."
Newcastle Region Libraries Statewide ranking
- 1st in NSW for total items borrowed
- 1st in NSW for home library service
- 2nd in NSW for e-book audio loans
- 3rd in NSW for toy and game collection loans
Highlights from the State Library of NSW 2022-23 Statistics about Newcastle Region Libraries
- Total visits: 691,715 / NSW average - 296,607
- Total items borrowed: 1,727,924 / NSW average - 441,594
- Number of events or programs held: 2,255 / NSW average - 1,149
- Total event or program attendees: 49,136 / NSW average - 19,450
Newcastle Libraries fast facts
- Total members: 158,856
- Number of branches: 13
- Items in collection: 1,063,343
