Google is taking a major step forward in transforming NotebookLM, its AI-powered research and note-taking assistant, into more than just a productivity tool. In a recent update announced Monday, the company introduced a collection of featured notebooks contributed by well-known authors, media outlets, academics, and even historical archives.

This move positions NotebookLM as a destination for curated knowledge and exploration, giving users the ability to learn directly from expertly assembled content.

Explore Expert-Curated Knowledge on a Range of Topics

The initial launch includes notebooks from respected sources such as The Economist, The Atlantic, and the University of Oxford’s Our World In Data project. It also features contributions from bestselling authors and scholars in psychology, science, and literature.

These notebooks cover a wide array of topics from longevity science and personal well-being to market analysis and travel guides. Even Shakespeare’s Complete Works are available for students and researchers to explore interactively.

Google says the goal is to provide working examples that show how NotebookLM can be used for deeper, more meaningful learning.

Interactive Features: From Mind Maps to Audio Overviews

Users of NotebookLM can do much more than just read static information. With this update, they can.

• Ask questions directly to the AI using the notebook content.
• Receive answers with full citations.
• Browse visually through the Mind Maps feature.
• Listen to Audio Overviews summarizing key ideas.

This makes learning more interactive and accessible, whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious.

Recent Sharing Feature Sees Rapid Adoption

The curated notebook rollout builds on the recent feature that allows users to share their notebooks publicly. Since launching just a month ago, Google reports that over 140,000 public notebooks have been shared by users across the platform, highlighting rapid community growth and engagement.

With this momentum, Google plans to expand the featured notebook collection further, particularly through ongoing partnerships with publications like The Economist and The Atlantic.

What's Inside the First Wave of Featured Notebooks

Here’s a look at some of the standout additions in the initial rollout.

• Longevity Insights from Dr. Eric Topol, based on his book Super Agers.
• Global Forecasts for 2025 from The Economist’s annual The World Ahead report.
• Life and Purpose Advice from Arthur C. Brooks’ How to Build a Life columns in The Atlantic.
• Yellowstone National Park Science Guide, with geology and biodiversity insights.
• Trends in Human Well-Being, from the Our World In Data research group.
• Parenting Advice from psychologist Jacqueline Nesi’s Techno Sapiens newsletter.
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, annotated and searchable.
• Quarterly Earnings Reports track the top 50 global companies for finance professionals.

Availability

The featured notebook collection is rolling out now on the desktop version of NotebookLM, with plans to expand support and add more themes and contributors over time.

Final Thoughts

With this latest update, Google is reimagining how AI can support learning, research, and exploration. By offering content from credible sources and pairing it with interactive AI features, NotebookLM becomes more than just a note-taker it becomes a smart companion for lifelong learners.

Whether you're a student, educator, professional, or simply curious, NotebookLM’s growing library of expert-curated content is set to make learning more engaging, personalized, and insightful than ever before.