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.
This is the F#$%ing news by Paddy Gower: Libby eAudiobook
Borrow the eAudiobook This is the F#$%ing news by Paddy Gower today. No wait list!
A Very French affair by Maria Hoyle: Libby eBook
Escape into the eBook A Very French affair by Maria Hoyle today. It's available on Libby now, no holds and no queue.
Jill's Best Non-Fiction Reads of 2024
A varied list of reads that have delighted and inspired Jill this year.
Fiona's faves of 2024
Mostly mystery fiction and a few non-fiction titles.
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.
Popular non-fiction authors:
Award winners
For books that are a cut above - find shortlisted and award-winning titles of international and New Zealand literary prizes.
Award winners
Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement
These awards recognise writers who have made a significant contribution to NZ literature in 3 categories: Poetry, Non-fiction, and Fiction.
Landfall essay competition
The winner in the annual essay competition run by New Zealand arts and literary journal, Landfall has been announced.
American National Book Awards
The winners for 2024 have been announced in Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Translated literature and Young people’s literature.
The Baillie Gifford Prize
The 2024 winner of the most prestigious non-fiction prize in the United Kingdom is Question 7 by Australian author Richard Flanagan.
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 titles
All the latest titles, including non-fiction ordered and arriving on library shelves soon.
New For You
New For You - December
New For You is a monthly selection of new books, topical titles, and hidden gems - chosen especially for you by our book buyers!
