Month: January 2026

Released 29/12/2025

Canberrans borrowed more than 1.4 million items from Libraries ACT in 2025, proving that the love of reading is stronger than ever. This year’s most borrowed title was Orbital by Samantha Harvey, captivating readers with its futuristic themes.

Local author Chris Hammer claimed the second spot with The Valley, a gripping mystery set in a remote mountain community that keeps readers enthralled.

Food and lifestyle titles were a standout this year, with Nagi Maehashi’s RecipeTin Eats Tonight taking the crown as the top non-fiction pick, highlighting Canberrans love of good food.

Mystery and detective fiction also held strong, with page-turners from Dervla McTiernan and Richard Osman among the most borrowed. Meanwhile, young adult readers continued to dive into fantasy and dystopian worlds, flocking to Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping and Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne emphasised the vital role libraries play in our community.

“Libraries ACT remains one of our most valued public resources. These figures show that Canberrans have an enduring passion for stories, whether it’s gripping mysteries, heartfelt memoirs, or imaginative adventures,” Minister Cheyne said.

“Libraries ACT is more than books and other items available from our libraries, it’s about connection, learning, and community. Thank you to our library staff for making these spaces welcoming and vibrant.”

Top five titles across all formats (including audio)

1. Orbital – Samantha Harvey
2. The Valley – Chris Hammer
3. In Too Deep – Lee Child
4. The Unquiet Grave – Dervla McTiernan
5. RecipeTin Eats Tonight – Nagi Maehashi

Top 5 reads for 2025 by genre:

Top Five Adult Fiction

1. Orbital – Samantha Harvey
2. The Valley – Chris Hammer
3. The Unquiet Grave – Dervla McTiernan
4. In Too Deep – Lee Child
5. Lyrebird – Jane Caro

Top Five Young Adult Fiction & Graphic Novels

1. Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
3. A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J. Maas
4. Powerless – Lauren Roberts
5. Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong – Brian Buccellato

Top Five Books by ACT Authors

1. The Valley – Chris Hammer
2. Smoke – Michael Brissenden 
3. Legacy – Chris Hammer
4. The Seven – Chris Hammer
5. The Deed – Susannah Begbie

Top Five Non-Fiction

1. RecipeTin Eats Tonight – Nagi Maehashi
2. The Season – Helen Garner
3. Memorial days – Geraldine Brooks
4. The Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins
5. The Salt Path – Raynor Winn

Top Five Junior Fiction & Graphic Novels series

1. Dog Man Series – Dav Pilkey
2. Ninja Kid Series – Anh Do
3. Wings of Fire Series – Tui Sutherland
4. Wolf Girl Series – Anh Do
5. Treehouse Series – Andy Griffiths

Libraries ACT branches will reopen for their summer operating hours from Monday 5 January 2026.

For more information on opening hours and services, visit: www.act.gov.au/service-availability.

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Released 28/12/2025

The rivalry between Daisy and Luna continues in 2025 with Daisy bumping Luna out of first place for most popular dog name after coming in second place last year. Meanwhile, Luna retains its stellar title of being the most popular cat name in 2025.

Cavoodles defend their crown as Canberra’s most popular dog breed for the fourth consecutive year and Domestic Short Hair remains the most popular cat breed in the capital.

“Thank you to everyone who registered or renewed their pet’s registration this year,” said Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne.

Annual registration is compulsory for all cats and dogs over the age of 8 weeks and it’s free for owners to renew or update their registration details.

“Not only does pet registration provide an insight into the most popular pet names and breeds, more importantly, it helps reunite lost pets with their owners,” Minister Cheyne said.

Whether they are dog or cat lovers, Canberra pet owners clearly have one thing in common – they love to read!

From popular fantasy worlds through to classics, Canberrans have brought beloved characters to life with their cat and dog names. Some of the standouts include Frodo and Samwise from Lord of the Rings, Geralt from The Witcher, Agatha Christie’s very own Captain Hastings, Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice and a special mention to Harry Potter inspired Albus Dumbleclaw.

Names inspired by gods and heroes from Greek mythology give us the impression a few Canberra book clubs read Percy Jackson this year! From the king of gods Zeus and his favourite daughter Athena to beloved hero Hercules and even Styx named after the river that winds its way through the underworld.

Of dogs currently registered in the ACT, the top 10 dog names and breeds for 2025 are listed below.

Names:

1. Daisy
2. Luna
3. Charlie
4. Coco
5. Teddy
6. Milo
7. Bella
8. Archie
9. Ruby
10. Molly

Breeds:

1. Cavoodle
2. Border Collie
3. Dachshund
4. Kelpie
5. Labrador Retriever
6. Golden Retriever
7. Poodle
8. American Staffy
9. Jack Russell
10. Groodle

Of cats currently registered in the ACT, the top 10 cat names and breeds for 2025 are listed below.

Names:

1. Luna
2. Milo
3. Willow
4. Jasper
5. Daisy
6. Leo
7. Cleo
8. Charlie
9. Mochi
10. Tiger

Breeds:

1. Domestic Short Hair
2. Domestic Medium Hair
3. Ragdoll
4. Domestic Long Hair
5. Burmese
6. British Shorthair
7. Russian Blue
8. Maine Coon
9. Bengal
10. Siamese

“Being a pet owner is an extremely rewarding experience, but it comes with responsibilities. Our pets rely on us to keep them happy, healthy and safe,” Minister Cheyne said.

“To keep your pet comfortable and cool over summer, ensure they have access to fresh drinking water and shade all day. It’s important to avoid walking your pet in the middle of the day during the warmer months. Early mornings and evenings are best to help protect your pet’s paws from burning. You can easily tell if the pavement is too hot to walk your dog by placing the back of your hand on the ground. If you can’t comfortably keep it there for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.

“If you’re enjoying a holiday away from home, arrange for someone to care for your pet while you are interstate or overseas. Don’t leave your pet unattended and ensure your pet’s carer is familiar with its feeding and exercise requirements, as well as their medical needs.”

More information on responsible pet ownership including registering your pet and a list of registered boarding kennels visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au.

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Released 27/12/2025

Evelyn and Oliver were the most popular ACT baby names in 2025, according to Access Canberra birth registration data.

Oliver has been in the top 10 each year since 2008, previously topping the list in 2022, 2019 and 2010. It’s the first time Evelyn has taken the top spot, but it has been a top 10 name in six previous lists.

Hazel and Grace rounded out the top three girl names, with Charlotte and Lily sharing 4th place. 2025 marks a return for Lily, which last appeared in the top 10 in 2012.

Olivia, which shared the 6th place this year with Isla and Matilda, has appeared in every top 10 (except for 2016) since 1998. Last year’s number one, Amelia, remained in the top 10 at number nine.

Henry, the second most popular boy name, has been a regular top 10 entrant since 2014, previously topping the list in 2023 and 2021.

2024’s favourite boy name, Noah, placed third this year, with Levi, Elijah and Oscar rounded out the top five. Levi and Elijah have both appeared in the top 10 just once before, tying 10th place in 2022.

The 10 most registered baby names for 2025 are:

Girl names
1    Evelyn
2    Hazel
3    Grace
=4    Charlotte
=4    Lily
=6    Isla
=6    Matila    
=6    Olivia
9    Amelia
10    Eleanor

Boy names
1    Oliver
2    Henry
3    Noah
4    Levi
=5    Elijah
=5   Oscar
=7    Liam
=7    Muhammad
=7    Theodore
10    Charlie

*Note: Data accurate as of 15 December 2025, figures may change with babies registered in the last weeks of 2025.

As of 15 December, there were 6039 births registered in the ACT for 2025. This is comparable with 6085 registered in 2024.

Registration of births is compulsory and must be done within the first six months of a child being born.

For more information on birth registration, visit the Access Canberra website.

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases