Lane Cove loves to read, and we can prove it.
For the second year running, Lane Cove Library has lent more items per resident than any other library service in NSW.
In FY2024/25, it lent 11.91 items per person in the Lane Cove Local Government Area, up from 11.43 the year before. That adds up to around 674,000 loans for a community of about 57,000 people.
Visits rose 8.8 per cent to 525,610 over the same period. (In the Cove covered the full State Library figures in June: Lane Cove Library Tops NSW for Loans Per Resident.)
Then of course, there are our wonderful street libraries dotted around the LGA. The Children’s Street Library in front of The Lane Cove Toy Library is a wonderful example. The volunteers at the toy library fill it up in the morning and the books are gone by 3.30 pm.
Two Dedicated Book Sellers
It isn’t only the library. For an LGA our size, we’re lucky to have two dedicated bookshops: The Burns Bay Bookery on Burns Bay Road, formerly Moirs Bookshop and then Dymocks.
So here’s a chance to put all that reading to use.
Radio National’s Top 100 Books
ABC Radio National’s annual Top 100 Books countdown is open for voting.
Listeners vote for their favourite books, and Radio National then gives over a whole weekend to counting them down. This year the theme is Australian writing in all its forms: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, children’s books, whatever you think deserves a place on the list.
You may want to nominate a local Lane Cove author (we have profiled many over the years on In the Cove). For example, the wonderful Aura Parker and her beautiful books.
Key dates
Voting closes at 7pm on Thursday 1 October 2026, so there are only a few days left.
The countdown goes to air from 1pm on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026. Everyone who votes also goes into the draw for a book pack.
Which Australian book would you choose?
If you’re not sure, ask the staff at your local bookshop or library. Recommending books is what they’re best at.
👉 Vote now: abc.net.au/listen/radionational/countdown/top100books
Tell us your pick in the comments on our Facebook or Instagram pages. We’d love to share Lane Cove’s favourite Australian reads before the countdown. In the Cove is paywall-free and always will be.
Our Cover Photo: Lane Cove Local Author Aura Parker
Why Local News Matters
In the Cove delivers independent Lane Cove news every day — 100% free, with no paywall. We write for the community, from within the community. We are a proud member of LINA — the Local & Independent News Association, which supports small, independent publishers serving their communities with reliable, accountable local journalism. Local news strengthens community connection, keeps residents informed, spotlights issues that bigger outlets overlook, and holds local decision-makers accountable. When local news disappears, communities lose transparency, trust and shared understanding. Your support helps ensure Lane Cove continues to have a strong, independent voice.
Support In the Cove
☕ Shout ITC a Coffee.
❤️ Contribute Any Amount.
📣 Advertise with Us.