Bluey, crime and home makeovers among top library picks
The most borrowed items from Fraser Coast Libraries in 2024 show our members' love for Bluey, conspiracy, crime, and home renovations.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the most popular items also included murder mysteries, Barbie the Movie, and the Guinness World Records, reflecting the diverse interests of library members.
“Our libraries are more than just books, they are vibrant community hubs,” he said.
“Fraser Coast Libraries provide a world of opportunities from reading, borrowing seeds and toys to getting creative with 3D printing, attending education talks and film screenings, or joining chess and scrabble days.
“Library membership has rebounded to pre-COVID levels, with nearly 5,000 new members joining in 2024.
“It’s fantastic to see a steady increase in membership, with people borrowing not just books but also DVDs, eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, and toys.”
In 2024, Fraser Coast Libraries recorded:
- 735,882 loans and renewals;
- Over 170,000 e-resource loans;
- Nearly 210,000 collection items processed.
Cr Seymour said Fraser Coast Libraries added more than 15,000 new items and ran 1,861 library programs with over 77,000 participants in 2024.
“Thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers we launched five seed libraries across the region and celebrated the reopening of the Hervey Bay and Howard libraries following renovations,” he said.
Cr Seymour acknowledged the incredible contribution of the 143 library volunteers, who donated over 5,000 hours to assist staff and library members.
“Technology also played a key role, with 455,789 hours of WiFi used, over 18,000 hours of public PC access, and a 93% customer satisfaction rating,” he said.
“Our library services are free and offer a welcoming space for people of all ages to discover, learn, and grow.
“We’re excited to build on this success and look forward to an even bigger and better 2025!”
Fraser Coast libraries receive financial assistance from the Queensland Government through the State Library of Queensland.
For more information about Fraser Coast Libraries, go to https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/libraries or call into one of the branches in Burrum Heads, Hervey Bay, Howard, Maryborough and Tiaro.
Top 5 Most Popular in 2024 - Fiction
- Secret by Lee Child
- Sanctuary by Garry Disher
- No Plan B by Lee Child
- Edge by David Baldacci
- Better off Dead by Lee Child
Top 5 Most Popular in 2024 - Non-Fiction
- Guiness World Records 2024
- How to Crochet Animals: 25 mini menagerie patterns
- Just One Thing: How simple changes can transform your life
- The Fast 800 Keto
- Killing for Country: A Family Story
Top 5 Most Popular Authors in 2024
- James Patterson
- Danielle Steel
- Nora Roberts
- Lee Child
- David Baldacci
Top 5 eBooks in 2024
- Simple Lies by David Baldacci
- Black Sheep by Judy Nunn
- Exiles by Jane Harper
- Homecoming by Kate Morton
- Edge by David Baldacci
Top 5 DVDs in 2024
- Barbie
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- Dune: Part two
- Free Guy
- Oppenheimer
Top 3 DVD series in 2024
- Vera
- Yellowstone
- Death in Paradise
Top 3 Junior DVDs in 2024
- Bluey
- Paw Patrol
- Peppa Pig
Most Borrowed Digital Magazine in 2024 – Better Homes and Gardens
Most Borrowed Magazine in 2024 – Australian Women’s Weekly
Most Borrowed Graphic Novel in 2024 – My Hero Academia