I'm a huge fan of libraries - they're like black holes to me, where I can go in and possibly never…read moreemerge. Unlike a bookshop where you know that any book that takes your fancy will hit pretty hard on your wallet, in a library you can sneak into just about anything knowing that if it turns out you really didn't want to know any more about the lifespan of a dung beetle or the moral values of 19th century American presidents, you're really no less well off. Mosman Library is A-OK. It has a reasonable collection of books, though I would like to see them a little more up-to-date, and I just can't help feeling a little miffed that I know in Victoria is it possible to put a request in for a book and have them order it for specially for you - not just from another branch of the library, but new from the publisher. Can we get that happening here?

Isn't it amazing that we have resources such as this. That we can just walk into a library and…read morepick-up hundreds of dollars worth of books and then just walk out. With books in Australia so ridiculously expensive and with an eye to conserving energy whilst still supporting the writing community, it should be mandatory to have a library card. It's perhaps no surprise then that my family and I are big fans of this space. It's an essential all weather venue for kids. Great when it's raining but crisply air-conditioned when it's baking hot. The children's section is brightly decorated and bubbles with an appropriate amount of energy and discipline for the surrounding. The children's library run great story sessions for babies and pre-schoolers, as well as activities during school holidays. Check out the website for specific times: http://www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/library/children The adults are well catered for too with a wide selection of texts and accommodating staff to help with enquires. They often have authors come to showcase their publications and it's well worth popping in to see what is up-coming. A new self, service check-out system is very easy to use and you can even renew online. So no late fees. Perfect.

Is life in the Eastern Subbsies getting you down? The constant pressure to look good and feel great…read morebecoming more than you can bare? Maybe you're just sick of floppy felt hats and high-waisted jorts. Fret not, friend, for there is an oasis of calm within reach. Perched above secluded Redleaf beach (AKA Murray Rose Pool) like a wise and paternal owl is DB Library, a small, charming, and utterly delightful little place in an old heritage/style building with views over the gardens and the ocean, fast, free wi-fi, books and magazines, open, light-splashed group work areas, and nooks to hide yourself in. Frequented by everyone from octeganarians familiarising themselves with the internet to students working on uni projects to yummy mummies planning out their next blog post. My finest find this month.

Beautiful view of the public garden, bay, and tennis court. Plenty of lighting with…read morefloor-to-ceiling windows at the end of the library with adjustable curtains for when the sun is shining a little too directly into the library. Rather limited seating, as this place is surprisingly popular. Only two worktables and another small table with 4 public computers with internet for public use. Unprotected, free WiFi available. I also appreciate how they maintain a warm, comfortable temperature inside (especially during winter!). While there are decorative and inviting cushions scattered throughout the small library, there are no real comfy lounge chairs to enjoy a book. Best to come here to grab a book and do work, but not really to lounge. There is a separate children's library downstairs as well. Nice way to keep working/studying adults & children apart.

Walked by this building several times without knowing it was the state library. Impressed with the…read morediverse the collection. Part, museum, and multiple changing galleries. They also have a modern wing. Welcoming atmosphere, at the historical building with a warm hearty greeting. Close to the Royal botanic Gardens,

Quality/Quantity - Well if you are following, we visit all…read morethe local libraries during our travels. Great place to take a break. It is clean, has AC, bathrooms, wifi, etc. Atmosphere - Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. The lobby hours differ, see picture. 5 stories, 6 if you count the lobby, see picture of directory. Cool lobby decor, especially the glass floors of Sydney Harbor. Some history and art are also in the lobby. Plenty of comfortable seating throughout. Cool garden, exhibit, etc. A cafe on the 5th floor, but I think it was closed today. Not sure what time we arrived. I'm told they used to have a bar here. Service - Self service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Thank you for such a good public service.

Whilst there are many things about Glebe Library than don't quite compare to the new and swanky…read moreSurry Hills Library, Glebe's older book house has a lot of redeeming factors that mean it still ranks pretty highly. The Glebe Library grounds are beautiful. Grassy and surrounded by big leafy trees, it's the perfect place to lie with a newly borrowed book. Inside the building however, things aren't quite as cheery, as the computer area is a tad depressing, and the carpet throughout the building gives it a musty feel. Sadly there is no free wifi unless you're a member of the library. This membership however also includes membership to all ten of the City of Sydney libraries, including Customs House, Surry Hills, Newtown and Town Hall. Internet/computer usage for non members is $3 per half hour. The library also offers information services relating to local history and are happy to help with most general enquiries (literary, historically or locally related). Glebe library has also jumped on the Green Team, offering the loan of Bike Repair Kits (also selling patches) for their cycling customers and you can borrow 'Power-Mates' which measure the amount of electricity each of your appliances uses on the basis of spreading awareness of electricity output. My favourite feature of the Glebe Library is, by far, their kids area. A fun layout including a Thomas the Tank Engine filled with books, this section makes me want to grab a pillow and snuggle up with a picture book before borrowing from their awesome toy library. The library also offers school holidays and HSC workshops, and my dream job, Rock'n Rhymetime and Storytime for ages 0 - 5. I'm looking forward to borrowing a toddler and falling asleep to the animated voices of the librarian.

Glebe's library is the exact opposite of the new Surry Hills library, both inside and out. The…read moreGlebe Library looks like an old Victorian mansion. The grounds are maintained well and the gardens are a therapeutic and relaxing. This library loans not only books, music, and movies, but also acts as a center of enquiry for neighbourhood. This includes things like parking permits, questions about waste and recycling, and graffiti removal. It's easy to become a member to the library. I did in on their website by filling out my contact information. As a member, you can borrow up to 20 items for up to three weeks. A membership also gets you access to free Wi-Fi in the library. This makes it a perfect place to study in a quiet environment. Its selection of books is okay and has available many classic novels. There are also many magazine titles and audio CDs to choose from. I've borrowed some audiobooks to download to my computer if I'm about to go on a trip.

They have clean toilets. Lockers. Free wifi. Comfy couches and sitting nooks with plug areas for…read morelaptops and all your other gadgets. And they have books. Granted, it's a library that doesn't stock Terry Prachett (or maybe there wasn't any on the shelves, let's go with that shall we instead of my poor broken heart!) - and a library without Terry Prachett, to be honest, is no library to me. On the plus side, they have a huge area for children's books and entertainment. On the other side of the library is a place for adults. It's hushed tones and book peace was soul soothing. The way the adult area is set out is that they have the shelves with books in a U shape with the tables in the centre with power points and couches around the outside with small tables. Half of the U is dedicated to Fiction. The other half to Biology, Travel, Self Help, etc. The difference in this library is that they don't have different areas for different genres of books. And to be honest, I was expecting more books than what was on the shelf. Instead they have a fiction area that runs from A-Z and then they have wee stickers on the bottom of the spines of books to let you know if it's fantasy (dragon), romance (love heart), hot romance (love heart with horns), comedy (smiley face), family (family of 4 sticker), crime (Sherlock Holmes style hat and magnifier), horror (horror written in blood dripping writing) and more. And they don't mind you grabbing a book and kicking your shoes off to snuggle up in a couch to read a book you never thought you'd read in your life.

They have a good selection of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, and they can get books that are not…read morecurrently available at West Ryde from the other Ryde libraries for you if you reserve them online. You can also extend your loans online, provided there are no reservations for the item. There are plenty of desks with power points and LAN outlets to allow you to plug in your laptop and do your work. There is also free wifi available but there is a limit of 500mb and I've found the speed to be slow, slower than my 4g connection on my mobile. There is a section for kids on one side of the library. They also have a volunteer JP service, not too sure of the date though, but this information can be easily found on their website. Patrons here are generally quiet though some talk on their phone.

Stanton Library is the kind of library you enjoy walking into. The leafy trees outside and the…read moreglass abundant building inspire relaxation and learning - two ingredients you want from a library experience. I love that this library has a floor devoted to kids and that it's downstairs away from the quieter parts of the library. Stanton is also an engaging hub for community activities. They frequently have author talk and photographic exhibitions. They also host book groups, a scrabble group, knitting groups, computer classes and school holiday activities. Story time for kids happens on Tuesday and Wednesday at 11am. All I needed to sign up proof of current address. With your library card you have access to World Book Online and Encyclopedia Britannica. The Internet is available to use for 1 hour each per day but if you have a laptop as I do ask for the password to hook into the free wireless network and you can browse for as long as you wish.

Stanton is one of those libraries which is conducive to study. Seriously! It has been designed…read morecapture views of the trees surrounding it, through enormous windows, and while inside you feel like you are in a tree, not in the heart of North Sydney. There are three or so levels, with study desks dotted around the place, my favourite spot being up the stairs that are on the side as soon as you enter the main entrance. This, however, is also the place where author talks happen, they generally happen during the week at 1pm, so you may need to clear out, or take part. Downstairs there is a separate study room which is closed off, a good thing too because it is smack bang in the middle of the kids section. The desks all have power points nearby for easy laptop use. Parking during the day on the street is easy, but its only 1P, so as long as your library trip is short you will be fine. ($2.40/hr).

New! This library building was designed by Kengo Kuma & Assoc. of Japan and occupies floors 2 & 3…read more The main floor has access to public computers, an inviting lounge, meeting rooms to rent, a Maker Space with 3D printing and all kinds of cool electronic bits for checkout. This is a community library and ABSOLUTELY gorgeous. On floor 1 there are a host of restaurants and bars! Out front there is seating and even a little grass area with tables & umbrellas. This is worth visiting just to see the building! As a tourist you could also relax, read & catch up on email~

Free WiFi is a hit. Thank you to the City of Sydney consortiums of libraries for making this…read morepossible. You just need to arrive early enough if you're planning on doing some work or study. Bring your own tablet or laptop device too. Well organised library. A great way to touch base and find out on what is happening in the community. Great kids corner, with a dedicated junior fiction area. So convenient too. In the hub of it all. I am so looking forward to attending an art workshop that goes for three hours next month, as at the time of writing this. You only pay $5 and this covers all materials. Held every Wednesday (with the exception of school and public holidays) and all materials are included. Held at this library, and class is run by the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre. Plus you do not need to be a Surry Hills local or resident in order to enjoy. Nice one :)

First off, the Surry Hills library is a beautiful building. It's architectural design fascinates me…read moreand who doesn't love a wall made entirely of glass? (Armando Pamperdine, that's who, but who cares what that glass hating freak likes.) It's a large library and an air conditioned one, whether you're going there to rent out a book, do a bit of study or simply escape the heat and use the free wifi, it's a modern and attractive work space. Situated in the middle of Surry Hills, the library stands like a beacon of knowledge along Crown Street. With a wide selection and multiple levels. It is, without a doubt, a library.