NSW legislation to protect diverse public library collections
The Library Amendment (Freedom to Collect) Bill 2026 was introduced to the NSW Parliament on 5 February, proposing an update to the Library Act 1939.
State Library New South Wales said, “The purpose of the legislation is to strengthen and protect the ability of public libraries to collect widely and to deal with challenges to items in collections which may arise from individuals or groups who seek to limit the scope of library collections.”
“Section 10 of the Act already sets out that any NSW citizen has the right to freely enter any NSW local library and freely access collections. These freedom of access provisions could be compromised if libraries are not able to freely develop their collections. The amendment closes that loop.”
Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) said, “[the organisation] welcomes this important change, which supports libraries in upholding professional collection practices and helps ensure people across NSW continue to enjoy access to diverse library collections that reflect the full breadth of ideas, experiences, and perspectives within communities.
“By reinforcing the connection between free access and the freedom to collect, the Bill also affirms the role of public libraries as trusted institutions that support learning, inclusion and the ability of people to participate meaningfully in a democratic society.”
As defined in the Library Act, library material includes book, periodical, newspaper and any other printed matter and also includes map, music, manuscript, picture, photographic plate and film and any other matter or thing on or by which words, sounds or images are recorded or reproduced.
Category: Local news
