The Public Libraries Evaluation Network (PLEN) is a nation-wide data collection initiative designed to help libraries better understand and illustrate their value.
Delivered by Culture Counts, the project has completed its seventh year in conjunction with Public Libraries Australia (PLA) and 56 participating libraries, to collect 24,911 survey responses across five states in Australia.
Overview
This report provides a snapshot of the Public Library Evaluation Network (PLEN) results from 2025–26, to better understand and illustrate the vital outcomes generated by libraries. The report also includes year-on-year comparisons beginning from the first year of the project (2019).
The use of agreed outcome indicators provides strong evidence of the impact of libraries, beyond visitor numbers and lending statistics. Libraries in the network measure the value that they add to the communities’ wellbeing, across areas including literacy and lifelong learning, digital inclusion, community engagement, economic and workforce development, and personal development and wellbeing.
Highlights
- Safe: 94% of respondents agree that the library makes them feel safe and welcome (same from 24–25)
- Relevance: 75% of respondents agree that the library is changing in ways to increase its relevance for them (4% increase from 24–25)
- Skills: 69% of respondents agree that the library has helped them learn and gain new skills (3% increase from 24–25)
- 30% of respondents were born overseas
- 16% of respondents spoke a language other than English
- 2% increase in the use of libraries facilities or services from the 24–25 findings
Using the report
Standardised measures let libraries learn from direct comparison with their peers and from wider sector trends. The results show where a library is generating the greatest impact, where it can improve, and whether certain outcome areas matter more to particular demographics or community groups. Comparing your own results against those in this report shows how your library performs relative to the wider network.
As the project continues, Culture Counts will continue to document and share valuable case studies with the network, helping members to implement change to generate greater impact for their communities. We encourage libraries from all parts of Australia to join the network and help to grow the database, insights and learning opportunities.
Join the network
The Public Libraries Evaluation Network can help you better facilitate the planning and delivery of your programs and services. PLEN combines the Culture Counts Evaluation Platform, our outcomes-based framework and a reporting dashboard. Contact our friendly Client Team to find out how you can get involved or download your free Library Evaluation Guide to get started.
