In 2025, the Lane Cove Library celebrated its 70th birthday, and now there is even more reason to celebrate.
The State Library of NSW has released its 2023/2024 NSW Public Library Statistics, and the Lane Cove Library has achieved the highest circulation rate per capita across New South Wales.
Lane Cove locals love their books and library, and borrowed 635,195 items last financial year.
The top five highest circulation per capita libraries in NSW were:
- Lane Cove
- Woollahra
- Willoughby
- Mosman
- Inner West
The Lane Cove Library is more than a place to borrow from an extensive collection of books, audiobooks and DVDs.
You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, workshops, and read newspapers and magazines. There is also access to printing and scanning, and you can learn all about Lane Cove’s history with the Local Studies section.
Seven Decades of Community Service
Lane Cove Library’s journey to becoming NSW’s most active library per capita spans seven decades of continuous evolution and community service.
Since opening on February 11, 1955, the library has undergone multiple expansions and renovations to meet growing demand.
After quickly outgrowing its original location in the School of Arts building, the library moved to its current site (the former Council Chambers) in 1962.
Subsequent extensions in 1976, 1982, and 1985 added more space, but by the mid-1990s, spatial constraints became pressing once again.
The Lane Cove Market Square development ultimately provided an opportunity for a major expansion, completed in 2010, which transformed the library into the modern, spacious facility residents enjoy today.
This history of responsive growth demonstrates the library’s commitment to meeting community needs and the community’s consistent support for library services. This relationship has culminated in the current record-setting usage statistics.
What started as one building now has four branches.
Lane Cove Library
1 Library Place, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Greenwich Library
48–50 Greenwich Road, Greenwich NSW 2065
St Leonards Library
LG/88 Christie Street, St Leonards NSW 2065
Opened in May 2023, this modern facility offers a range of technology, collections, programs, and services to the community.
The Yarn Hunters Hill
Shop 10/66 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill NSW 2110
Reflecting National Library Trends
Lane Cove’s exceptional library usage aligns with broader national trends showing renewed interest in public libraries following the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2024, the Australian Public Library Statistical Report was released. It was noted that in-person library visits increased by 40% and online visits by 27% since the lifting of pandemic restrictions. The national report revealed that Australians were borrowing, on average, six books a year.
What Are We Reading?
The Lane Cove Library released its 2024 Most Borrowed list earlier this year. How Many have you read?
No. 1 Adult Fiction Loan – Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel – Bonnie Garmus
No. 1 Adult Non-Fiction Loans – Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life – Anna Funder
No. 1 Junior Fiction Series – WeirDo – Anh Do
No. 1 Young Adult Series – The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
For the full top 10 lists see here.
Inclusion
One of Lane Cove Library’s standout features is its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The library operates the Home Library Service that delivers materials directly to locals who cannot visit the library due to age, illness, disability, or mobility challenges. This service extends to both Lane Cove and Hunters Hill Local Government Areas, ensuring that physical limitations don’t prevent residents from enjoying the library’s resources.
Innovation – A Seed Library
The Lane Cove Library is launching a collection of a different kind on Tuesday, 29 April, at 6:15 pm, with the launch of the Lane Cove Seed Library. Locals are invited to the launch with one of Australia’s most popular broadcasters and authors, Indira Naidoo.
Indira is a passionate advocate for environmental and food sustainability issues and is the best-selling author of The Edible City and The Edible Balcony. She has designed award-winning gardens and helps community groups build their food gardens.
Copies of The Edible Balcony will be available to purchase at the event. Booking link here.
More Stats
If you love statistics, the Lane Cove Council paper includes a snapshot of their operations each month. The Library contains its monthly statistics. Below are the stats for February 2024.
Well done, Lane Cove Library. You’re one of ITC’s favourite places to visit in Lane Cove.
Cover Photo: Supplied Lane Cove Council – local mum Sarah and her family love the Lane Cove Library
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