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Bayside Libraries strive to provide a high quality, informational and recreational collection in a range of formats that is current, relevant, and based on community interests and ongoing needs.

Bayside Libraries carefully curates a broad range of materials to support learning, literacy, leisure, and lifelong discovery, including:

• Print and digital books
• Audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines
• Children’s and Young Adult collections
• Special collections (e.g. Large Print, languages other than English)
• Local and community interest materials

Materials are selected by professional library staff using established selection criteria, including:

• Community demand and interests
• Literary, informational, or cultural value
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations
• Accuracy, currency, and relevance
• Budget, format, and space considerations

The Library aims to offer collections that reflect the diversity of the community and support intellectual freedom.

To keep our collections current and welcoming, items are regularly reviewed and withdrawn based on:

• Condition and usage
• Accuracy and currency of content
• Availability of newer editions or formats
• Space and collection balance

Withdrawn items may be recycled, donated, or disposed of responsibly.

Yes! Suggestions are welcomed and considered as part of our collection development. Requests are assessed alongside selection guidelines, demand across the library network, and available resources.

👉 Request an item not held

Library collections include a wide range of viewpoints and reading levels. While not all items will suit every reader, families are encouraged to choose materials that align with their own interests and values.

Our Collection Management Plan guides how Bayside Libraries build, maintain, and provide access to the collections. It ensures that our library collections remain relevant, balanced, inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with community needs and priorities.  The plan is informed by the Arts, Culture & Library Strategy 2023-2027 and the Australian Library and Information Association Free Access to Information Statement.

The Collection Management Plan ensures responsible stewardship of public resources by:

• Making evidence based decisions
• Managing budgets effectively
• Supporting environmentally sustainable practices
• Adapting collections to changing community needs

The Collection Management Plan is reviewed annually to ensure it remains responsive to community expectations, emerging trends, and strategic directions.