Reading recommendations – Non-fiction

Reading recommendations - Non-fiction

History, biographies, science and more - find your next favourite factual read at the library.

Explore our section devoted to non-fiction. You'll find staff picks and recommended reading in a range of topics, award-winners, popular authors and more.

Can't find what you're looking for? Request a custom reading list.

Looking for something less factual? Try our Fiction Reading Recommendations.

Author talk: Dr Samah Sabawi

Feb 20th | 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Dr Samah Sabawi is joined by celebrated New Zealand poet Tusiata Avia in a conversation facilitated by journalist Donna Miles.

Online archival database, ArchivesSpace, expands

Archive holdings for Christchurch City Council and Christchurch Art Gallery have been added to ArchivesSpace.

Pou Kohikohinga in Residence at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre

Apr 10th | 9:00am - 1:00pm
Our Māori Collection Specialists will be onsite at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre to answer any questions and provide Māori research advice.

Observing the Natural World: Dr Morgane, Canterbury Museum

Apr 24th | 11:00am - 2:00pm
Drop in to see live stick insects, cool museum specimens, sea creatures and learn about the City Nature Challenge and iNaturalist app

New non-fiction

New, on order, and recent non-fiction that library borrowers have given 5-star ratings.

Top rated Biography, History and New Zealand, and new and on order non-fiction

Top rated Cooking, Health, Music, Science and Travel titles

Non-fiction reading guides

Find recreational non-fiction with hand-picked lists of recommended titles, authors to try, and more.

non fiction reading guides

Arts and literature reading guide

Find fun reads that shed light on your favourite music, theatre or literature. Reads that inform and entertain just like great works of art.

Biography and memoir reading guide

The true stories of artists, inventors, icons, and influencers, as well as everyday people.

Personal development reading guide

Want to lead a more healthy, sustainable life, or try new challenges and hobbies? Great reads to help you be your best self.

More non-fiction reading guides

Popular science reading guide

Popular science takes science and makes it engaging and interesting to read. We recommend some great popular science titles and authors.

True crime reading guide

Truth can be stranger than fiction and just as gripping - read tales of murder, investigations, trials, and the wrongfully imprisoned.

World and travel reading guide

Be transported. Find reads that take you to exotic cities, feast on the foods of a foreign culture, or be inspired by real life adventurers.

For teens

Non-Fiction reading guide

Explore true stories and find resources on issues affecting youth.

Award winners

For books that are a cut above - find shortlisted and award-winning titles of international and New Zealand literary prizes.

Award winners

Women's Prize for Non-Fiction

An annual book prize that celebrates exceptional narrative non-fiction by women. The 2025 longlist is out now.

2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

The longlists have been announced for New Zealand's most prestigious literary awards.

Reference and User Services Association: Notable books

Awarded annually as part of the RUSA Book and Media Awards (American Library Association), in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction

Recognises the best non-fiction for adult readers published in the US during the previous year. Find out the winner for 2025.

Request reading recommendations

Not sure what to try next? Try our reading guides, or tell us your preferences and we'll make a custom reading list just for you!

New For You

New For You - February 2025

New For You is a monthly selection of new books, topical titles, and hidden gems - chosen especially for you by our book buyers!
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