In Your Language

We offer books, eBooks, online newspapers, movies and learning tools in many different languages to help you stay connected and enjoy stories in your language. Choose a physical book to loan, or browse online instantly.

You'll need to be a Newcastle Libraries member to use these services. Join online now or visit one of our library branches.

Order books in your language

We can order books in languages other than English as a bulk loan from the State Library of New South Wales.

Community languages request form

Request a selection of up to 30 items in your language. The State Library selects the titles based on your reading preferences and what's available in your chosen language. Specific titles can't be requested this way.

Interlibrary loan request form

To request a specific book in your language (fee applies).

Frequently Asked Questions

Most orders arrive within three weeks. We’ll let you know if there’s a delay. 
Due to high demand for these items, a replacement fee may apply. Staff can advise you of the amount.
If your language isn’t listed, it’s not currently one of the 43 community languages available from the State Library. We will update the form if new languages are added. 
The State Library processes one language per form. Please submit a separate form for each language.
Some branches don’t have space to store bulk loans. Lambton and the Digital Library are not available as pickup locations.

Online in your language

Search for ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines directly in these apps, as not all titles are listed in the library catalogue.

IndyReads: ebooks and audiobooks

IndyReads from the State Library has a growing collection of eBooks and audiobooks in Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Romanian, Vietnamese and smaller collections in other languages.

Download available on iOS and Android, or go to the IndyReads website and browse by language.

CloudLibrary: ebooks and audiobooks

Our largest collection with over 40,000+ books to choose from, including an extensive selection in languages other than English. CloudLibrary also provides text-to-speech compatibility through the iOS app.

Download available on iOS and Android.

PressReader: newspapers and magazines

Read global newspapers and magazines on the PressReader website.

Download available on iOS or Android.

Libby: newspapers and magazines

Popular international magazines and newspapers are available in Libby, alongside PressReader.

Download available on iOS or Android.

Kanopy: movies and documentaries

Stream movies and documentaries in different languages with subtitles through Kanopy.

Download available on iOS or Android.

Beamafilm: movies and documentaries

Stream movies, documentaries and independent films, including subtitled foreign-language titles.

Download available on iOS or Android.

English language learning

AMES: Learning English Online — Improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Gain the confidence to use English in everyday situations, as well as for work and study. Learn about Australian society and culture at the same time.

IndyReads – Pimsleur Language Programs — English learning resources are available in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Farsi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. Each title has instructions in a specific language. The audiobook for each language is available on IndyReads to borrow, and booklets can be downloaded from Pimsleur.

State Library of NSW – Legal information, research and more

Access an extensive range of links to legal and government information, research material, magazines and newspapers in other languages via the State Library of NSW.

Become a Library member | State Library of New South Wales

Need help reading this page or speaking with us?

The City of Newcastle offers free relaying and interpreting services to help you contact us in your language.

Visit the City of Newcastle Relaying and Interpreting Services page