The Outlook: for public libraries

In this digital era, many may wonder what the future is for Australia's public libraries, long seen as simply a repository for books. But they're flourishing, perhaps surprisingly, and for those with English as a second language, they can offer pathways to education, employment and integration.

The Mortlock Wing of the SA State Library has been named in a list of the top 20 most beautiful libraries in the world. Source: AAP Image/SA State Library, Jonathan Van Der Knapp