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About Public Libraries

Public libraries play a vital role in local communities. They ensure that every Australian, no matter their economic means, is able to access information, assistance, education, community engagement and at a very basic level, a temperature controlled safe space. They support social cohesion, community wellbeing, local history, the arts, culture and literacy.

Public libraries are resourced slightly differently in each jurisdiction via local councils and state and territory governments. Resources and support for library staff working in public libraries are provided by ALIA, state-based public library associations and state and territory libraries.  ALIA's Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) comprises representatives from the state-based public library associations, the territory libraries and Libraries Tasmania.  

Sector specific resources

Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report 2023-2024

The Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report is an annual project that identifies and measures the usage and activities of Australia's public library services.

Report highlights

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Standards and Guidelines for Australian Public Libraries 2021

In August 2020 the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) on behalf of the Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA) engaged I & J Management Services Pty. Ltd. to update the 2016 Guidelines, Standards and Outcome Measures for Australian Public Libraries.

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Freedom to Read

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ALIA disaster management for libraries: part one - guide

This guide provides concise information about how to safeguard library collections in the event of a disaster and has been updated from an earlier edition (ALIA, 2010). The Guide (Part one) gives an overview and context for the Disaster Plan. The Disaster Plan Template (Part two) provides further details and a flexible integrated model with tables and a checklist for you to adapt and develop your library’s own Disaster Plan.

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ALIA disaster management for libraries: part two - disaster plan template

This template has been flexibly designed for your library or cultural institution to develop its own collections Disaster Plan. It is to be used in conjunction with the Guide (Part one) which provides an overview and context for the Disaster Plan. The template is based on a medium to large sized library but can be tailored to meet the needs of smaller libraries, or other collecting organisations.

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First Nations Collection Description Guidelines Training Resources

These seven training videos accompany the Guidelines for First Nations Collection Description. They are designed to support and inspire library and archive staff as they transition to implement the Guidelines into their descriptive practice at the item level, into updated team workflows, and as they review policies and content management systems. There are a number of illustrative case studies that highlight best practice and are useful for Indigenous people and library and archive users to be aware of to support their use of library and archive services. The videos were created and are narrated by Tui Raven, author of the Guidelines. Guidelines for First Nations Collection Description: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/10010699. © Tui Raven 2023. This work is released under a CC BY-NC-ND licence

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Photo: Marrickville Public Library, NSW

Campaigns & initiatives

Latest News


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2/06/2026

How libraries can support the 2026 Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is looking to work with libraries across the country to host information and fill-in-the-form sessions.

19/05/2026

ALIA and SBS Team Up to Bring National Simultaneous Storytime to Millions Ahead of FIFA World Cup 20

ALIA has partnered with SBS, bringing Australia's premier national reading event — National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) — to the SBS On Demand platform.

14/05/2026

‘Holding the National Story: Truth, Memory and Social Cohesion in a Fractured Age’ or ‘Why Libraries

Read the keynote address by Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO - first presented at ALIA National 2026.

6/05/2026

ALIA and PressReader publish new report on media literacy in Australian public libraries

ALIA and PressReader have released a collaborative report examining how Australian public libraries are supporting media literacy in their communities and where opportunities remain.

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