Libraries and Literature

Book desk, State Library of Victoria.

Source: State Libray of Victoria

• Victoria has 262 branch libraries and 27 mobile libraries.
• In 2010-11, 2.5 million Victorians, were registered members of public libraries.
• In total, Victorians made around 27 million visits to their local libraries borrowing over 50 million items during 2010-11.
• 46% of Victorians (2.5 million people) are members of local libraries and on average, every member of the public borrows 19 items per year.
• In 2003-04, Victorian-based publishers accounted for 43% or $580 million of total book sales in Australia, an increase of 10% on Victorian sales in the previous year.
• With 307 locations, Victoria has more book retailing outlets than any other state in Australia, with total turnover of $453 million in 2003- 04, providing employment for 2,656 people.

Work in the Literature Sector

• 154,300 people in Victoria work in the writing professions in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• 51,400 people work in the publishing industry in Victoria, in either a paid or voluntary capacity.
• 30% of people working in book retailing in Australia are employed in Victoria.