, Australia’s public libraries are thriving as the cost of living rises. We can’t afford to lose them, The Conversation, 17 November 2025
Library visits in the United States have almost halved over the past decade. But in Australia, they’re up 10% compared to a year ago, according to a new report. In fact, our public libraries are thriving – and cost of living pressures seem to be playing a role.
Public engagement with library programs and events has increased by one million. Loans of books, DVDs and other items are at their highest rate in five years, and overall loans are up 23%. On average, every person in Australia borrowed 6.5 library items in the year 2023-2024. While libraries increasingly provide online access and borrowing (32% of all loans are now digital), physical borrowing is still important.
Read more: Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report 2023–24