The future of Aussie libraries, and using AI to get closer to God

Whether it's the big flashy state library in your capital city, or the humble one in your suburb, the role of a library is stretching to meet demand for its free programs and resources. That evolution hasn't come without friction, so in modern Australia, who, and what, are our libraries really for? Cathie Warburton is CEO of The Australian Library and Information Association, and Dr Heather Robinson is Research Associate at Flinders University and author of Beyond the books: Culture, value, and why libraries matter.

More and more people are turning to AI for spiritual support, by using bots for religious worship and guidance. They're known as "faith bots" and there's one for pretty much every belief. Christians can use Text Jesus. There's a virtual Islamic Scholar called Sheikh GPT. And Gita GPT allows you to exchange messages with the Hindu god Krishna. So, can AI help you become closer to God? Can it strengthen your faith? Dr Rosemary Hancock is a Senior lecturer and Convener of the Religion, Culture and Society Research Focus Area, at the University of Notre Dame and Venerable Dr JueWei, is Head of program of applied Buddhist studies and humanistic Buddhism at Nan Tien Institute.

It's a time to eat, drink, and be merry. But for Australians struggling with - or recovering from - addiction, holiday gatherings can become a test of willpower. An addiction specialist shares his first Christmas off the booze.  Benn Veenker is Manager of Lived Experience at Turning Point.