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.

Dewey Book Group, part of a series

If you enjoy reading non-fiction then come join our friendly group of readers and chat about your favourites. Free but bookings required.

NoveList Plus

Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.

Bringing Light to the Viking World: Embers of the Hands

Troy reviews Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age by Eleanor Barraclough, a look into the everyday world of the Vikings.

Learn about history on Beamafilm

Watch films about significant people and events in history on Beamafilm.

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

2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

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

2025 Pulitzer Prizes

Winners and finalists in the categories of biography, memoir or autobiography, drama, fiction, poetry, history and general non-fiction.

Women's Prize for Non-Fiction

An annual book prize that celebrates exceptional narrative non-fiction by women. The 2025 winner has been announced.

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.

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 - June 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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