Is it just us, or is reading having a moment? Whether it’s more book chats at work, Booktok taking over your social feed or simply walking past a new book shop or cafe, all signs are pointing to yes.

If you’re looking for a way to get into reading, from reading on a budget to joining a book community, there is something for everyone in Canberra.

Head to your local library

Canberra is home to many libraries with one in every region.

Libraries are a great way to read without over-consuming and enjoy books for free.  There are also home library services to deliver books to your door and multicultural services available in select libraries.

Find your nearest ACT library.

Check out the Lifeline Bookfair 

The Lifeline Bookfair is a book-lovers dream event. Not only are you getting second-hand books, but you are also donating to Lifeline.

There are multiple events throughout the year at EPIC and in Tuggeranong, but if you can't wait you can always check out Lifeline’s permanent store, Book Lovers Lane at the Fyshwick Markets.

Lifeline also accepts book donations at their warehouse in Mitchell. Just make sure you read the checklist to ensure your books are resalable.

Stay up-to-date on the next Lifeline Bookfair.

Join or create a book club

Canberra has some amazing book clubs to join. You can find them through social media, or you can join and create one through ACT Libraries.

If quiet reading and low-key socialising are your thing, consider a silent book club.

Silent Book Club Canberra Northside host silent reading events at Café Stepping Stone Dickson fortnightly on Sundays.  You can also enjoy a chilled afternoon of silent reading every second Sunday at Café Stepping Stone Strathnairn. There's no assigned reading – just bring whatever you're currently into.

Silent Book Club Canberra City meet regularly at Tilley's in Lyneham. You can also check out the Slow Pages Society.

Tough Guy Book Club is a network of men’s book clubs in local pubs. They are scattered all over Australia, with Canberra home to quite a few different meet ups. They get together on the first Wednesday of the month, read, chat and have a good meal.  See when and where they are meeting next.

Canberra Fantasy Book Club is all about reading fantasy! If you love dragons, witches, fairies and all things mythical, then this might be the group for you. Join the Facebook page here.

ACT Libraries allows you to register and create a book club at your preferred branch. You can access 12 copies of the same book from their collection of 375 titles, create an online account and membership card, and get discussion guides. Sign up for a book club or learn more.

The Cosy Reading Book Club is held at Paperchain in Manuka.

The Book Club at NSFA incorporates books, film screenings and discussion.

The Book Cow in Kingston runs a range of book clubs, including an OzLit book club.

You can also find more clubs on Meetup.

Follow and find a street library

Did you know you can find libraries on several Canberra streets? Street libraries allow you to bring a book and swap it with one already in the library.

If a street library is missing from your suburb, you can create your own!

Learn more about street libraries and where to find them.

Read and see local authors

Civic Library regularly showcases Canberra authors and their books. You can find copies of recent books, and all can be borrowed from the library. Books from local authors are held for two years in the showcase before getting added to the ACT Heritage library or placed in the general lending collection within libraries ACT. Check out the list of ACT authors.

You can also find details of local book launches and author events at the National Library, as well as bookstores across the ACT.

As well as local names, the ANU Meet the Author Series brings some impressive writers to Canberra. See what's coming up.

Snuggle up at a book cafe

Wanting to sip on a delicious drink or enjoy a tasty treat while indulging in a new book? Pulp Book Café is a cosy coffee shop with an added focus on books!

Check out Pulp Cafe.

Don't miss Canberra Writers Festival

This is held in October each year, with events, conversations, workshops and book launches across the Canberra region.

The program always offers an exciting line-up, so be sure to add it to your calendar.

Find out more.

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