The campaign aims to remind people just how important Australia’s 1600 public libraries are for children, families, students, adult learners, seniors, keen readers, music lovers, film buffs, in fact, everyone and anyone, whatever their interests.

Mr Crean said: “Libraries are really important. They are about knowledge, culture and community. Everyone is welcome and most things are free.”

The Minister went on to say that while books and reading were at the heart of what libraries have to offer, that was only the tip of the iceberg. They were also places of discovery and connection.

He said nearly half of all Australians were already members, borrowing 188 million items each year.

“There were some 114 million visits to libraries in 2009-2010 and part of the attraction would have been the 10,000 computers available for people who don’t have PCs in their own homes,” he said.

Among their advantages, he said, libraries were free, fun and useful, with storytimes for children, quiet places to study, homework clubs and library staff for teens, books, DVDs, magazines and newspapers in many languages and opportunities for volunteering to help run events and activities.

In association with the campaign, spearheaded by the Melbourne-based advocacy group The Library Agency, a new library app has been launched for iPhones and iPads.

The Love2read app, once downloaded, will locate the nearest public library and provide information about events and activities for the National Year of Reading.