Google’s AI-powered note-taking tool just got smarter. The latest update to NotebookLM introduces featured notebooks, ready-made, expert-curated sets of content designed to kickstart learning and exploration. Instead of starting from scratch, users can now dive into organized, topical notebooks filled with high-quality material.
Featured notebooks offer guided, AI-backed content

Each featured notebook includes a rich bundle of curated sources, articles, essays, datasets, or excerpts from books paired with interactive tools like AI summaries, visual mind maps, and audio overviews. You can ask the AI questions directly, and it pulls answers straight from the included content, complete with citations.
This new format makes it easier for users to explore topics without doing the heavy lifting. Whether you’re studying longevity, parenting, or classic literature, the structure is already there; just start reading and interacting.
NotebookLM now doubles as a public knowledge shelf
This launch follows the recent addition of public sharing. While users can still create and share personal notebooks, the featured options give everyone access to professionally curated topics. Think of it as a digital shelf, part research library, part interactive guide ready for exploration.
What’s inside the first wave of featured notebooks
The initial collection spans a wide range of interests and includes:
- Aging and health research
- Parenting and psychology insights
- Classic literature like Shakespeare
- Environmental science topics
- Economic forecasts and market data
- Life advice from columnists and authors
Each one comes with sources you can trust, enhanced by NotebookLM’s AI tools.
NotebookLM becomes more than just a personal tool
This update shifts NotebookLM into new territory. It’s no longer just a space to upload your material; it’s becoming a shared environment filled with expert knowledge. With AI chat, summaries, and interactive layouts built in, it now acts as both a study companion and a knowledge guide.
For learners, researchers, and curious minds, featured notebooks bring structure without sacrificing depth.