As cost-of-living pressures continue to rise, Australians are turning to their local libraries in record numbers, highlighting the key role public libraries play as accessible, inclusive community hubs.
The Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report 2023–2024, report released by the National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) and the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) identifies a significant increase in physical visits and borrowing, across public libraries nation-wide.
In 2023/24 public libraries delivered over 400,000 program sessions attracting over seven million participants. There were around 55,000 more sessions in 2023/24 than 2022/23, a 15% increase, and around 880,000 more participants reflecting a 14% increase (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Programs and Attendance
Why are library programs important?
- Community engagement: bringing people together around shared interests and fostering belonging.
- Lifelong learning: supporting personal growth through access to skills, ideas, and experiences.
- Literacy development: nurturing a love of reading, especially for children and young adults.
- Equitable access: providing technology, information, and other resources not always available elsewhere.
With the rise in library programs and events, effective event booking and administration is now an important activity within the modern library. An integrated event booking solution within a Library Management System [LMS] enables libraries to engage with their communities while using staff time and resources wisely.
A Libero 6 LMS includes event booking functionality, providing libraries with the ability to manage a wide array of library events for their members.
Event Booking in Libero 6
Libero 6 supports libraries by allowing staff to easily schedule, promote, and manage both free and ticketed events – all from one dashboard. Members can search, register, and manage their bookings (Figure 2).
Key benefits include:
- Increased event participation through simple online registration.
- Improved efficiency by automating bookings and administration.
- Easy promotion of upcoming events to members through email or other channels.
- Automated waiting list management and notification.
- Opportunities to generate additional revenue by charging fees for room rentals for community events or business meetings.
Figure 2: Events in the Discovery Portal
Events bring people together and strengthen community connections – and with Libero 6, libraries can manage them efficiently in one place. Watch our video below
Uncover the benefits and discover more. https://libero.com.au/product-features/