A public service people still use

I chose this topic because libraries are often treated as if they are becoming old-fashioned. Before looking at the data, I also mostly thought of libraries as places for books, study and quiet reading. But the NSW public library statistics showed me a bigger story.

In 2024–25, NSW public libraries recorded 28,234,782 in-person visits, delivered 108,152 programs and events, and attracted 1,888,754 program attendances. These numbers suggest that libraries are not simply disappearing. They are changing into public spaces where people can learn, connect, use digital services and take part in community activities.

Function: To show that public libraries are still relevant, but their role is changing.
Tone: Clear, evidence-based and slightly surprising.
So what? Libraries should not be seen only as book rooms. They still support everyday community life.

This story uses open data from the State Library of New South Wales to show how public libraries continue to matter.

1. Public libraries are still drawing crowds

Source: State Library of New South Wales, Public Library Statistics 2024–25. Hover over the bars to see exact values.

The first chart shows the NSW library services with the highest physical visits. This matters because it challenges the simple idea that people no longer need library buildings.

So what? Libraries are still being used as real public places, not just as online services.

2. Community programs are bringing people in

Source: State Library of New South Wales, Public Library Statistics 2024–25. Hover over the bars to compare attendance and program numbers.

This chart focuses on program attendance. It shows that libraries are not only used for borrowing books. They are also used for events, learning sessions and local activities.

So what? Libraries are acting more like community spaces where people can access support and learning without a high cost.

3. More programs often mean more participation

Source: State Library of New South Wales, Public Library Statistics 2024–25. Each point represents one library service.

The scatter plot suggests that library services with more programs often have higher program attendance. This does not prove that programs alone cause attendance, because larger communities may naturally have more resources and visitors.

So what? Even with that limitation, the pattern shows that programming is now an important part of how libraries connect with people.

4. Libraries are doing more than lending books

Source: State Library of New South Wales, Public Library Statistics 2024–25. Hover over each bar to see attendance by program type.

Literacy and lifelong learning is the largest program area, which makes sense because reading and learning are still central to libraries. But the other categories show a wider role, including digital inclusion, wellbeing, creativity, citizenship and workforce development.

So what? Libraries are still connected to books, but they are also supporting broader community needs.

5. Which libraries combine high visits and high program attendance?

Source: State Library of New South Wales, Public Library Statistics 2024–25. Bubble size shows number of programs. Hover to explore each library service.

The final chart compares visits, program attendance and number of programs in one view. It shows that libraries are not all used in the same way. Some services have very high visits, while others stand out more for program attendance.

So what? A library’s value is not only about how many people walk through the door. It is also about what people can do once they are there.

Conclusion

The data does not support the idea that public libraries are dying. In NSW, libraries still attract millions of visits and strong participation in programs and events.

The stronger story is that libraries are changing. They still support reading and learning, but they are also becoming places for digital access, wellbeing, creativity and community connection. Based on this data, libraries should not be seen as outdated book rooms. They should be seen as public spaces that continue to support everyday community life.

References

State Library of New South Wales 2026, Public Library Statistics 2024–25: Public library services in New South Wales, State Library of New South Wales, viewed 8 June 2026, https://pls.sl.nsw.gov.au/managing-my-library/public-library-statistics.

State Library of New South Wales 2026, Public Library Statistics 2024–25 data tables, State Library of New South Wales, viewed 8 June 2026, https://pls.sl.nsw.gov.au/managing-my-library/public-library-statistics.

GenAI acknowledgement

No Generative AI tools were used.