Blue Mountains News

More people visiting Blue Mountains libraries

By Blue Mountains City Council

Posted: 17 Sep 2024

The view from Katoomba Library

Our Blue Mountains libraries are celebrating a remarkable year, with an increase in membership, visitation and loans.

According to the annual State Library of NSW statistics, visitors to Blue Mountains library branches have risen 36 per cent compared to last year.

There has been a 40 per cent increase in library computer bookings, 80 per cent in WiFi logins, and loans out the door are up by 15 per cent. The Blue Mountains library team have also welcomed nearly 4,000 new library members in 12 months.

Each financial year the Blue Mountains library capture statistics at each branch, which are then collated and sent to the State Library of NSW. This is how our local libraries qualify for their Per Capita and Local Priority Grants. These grants are essential to keeping our doors open across our six branches.

Blue Mountains City Councill CEO Rosemary Dillon said: “These statistics highlight the incredible work of our Blue Mountains libraries in providing great spaces and exceptional service to our community.

“Public libraries are such an important place in our society that seem to revolve around technology and where we see social isolation increasing, they offer a welcome and much needed relief,” Dr Dillon said.

“Libraries are completely free to use, and everyone is welcome. They support literacy, lifelong learning, access to information and community connection.

“Our Blue Mountains library operates six branches from Blaxland to Blackheath, with outreach services supporting the isolated, vulnerable and remote.

“I am incredibly proud of our library team all the time, and particularly so seeing these marvellous results, which are a testament to their dedication and hard work.”

Blue Mountains Community and Library Manager, Vicki Edmunds said: “These results are elating for everyone in the library team. I am immensely proud of them and extend my thanks and congratulations to each and every member of the Blue Mountains library staff. The work you do every day is amazing and these statistics reflect how valued you are by your local community.”

Katoomba Library was also recently crowned number one on the list of Australia’s coolest Libraries, by Australian Traveller. The ranking was due to stunning setting and views, and the warm and cosy space.