One of my favourite little hide aways when I am in Melbourne Central and want to have a break from…read morethe hustle and bustle. When browsing the books you never know what you will find to read on the way home on the train from work! But don't forget to return or donate a book or two too. This is a great initiative as I always wonder about the fate of books since the introduction of tablets.

Borrow a book and return it, or pop another in its place. That is the only rule to using this cute…read morelittle free public library, located inside Melbourne Central. It's a cute use of a space too small to fit another retailer in. Obviously you wont find the dewey decimal system in place like a real library, since it's all public donation - although it was very orderly considering. A friend suggested some poor OCD person was probably tidying them up for everyone else. If you have some books collecting dust on your shelf, it's worth popping by to swap it for something fresh if you're passing through.

The Good As part of…read morethe Darebin library service borrowers have access to free DVDs, magazines, Cd's, and you know even those strange creatures called books. Reservoir library also hosts a range of free events so if you want to learn about Facebook or listen to an author then keep an eye on the events program. The library is located behind the Reservoir shopping precinct and has plenty of parking as well as public transport options. The Bad If your heading to the library to take advantage of free wifi and quiet study area then think again. The tables provided for both are squashed into a small area and are limited. The library lends (pause to appreciate that library joke folks) an atmosphere more suited to a 1970's horror movie. It is the type of environment where no matter how new the stock is, it looks old and shabby and out of date. The staff clearly try their best, but in reality, you can only work with what you have. The Ugly This library is a giant brick box filled with bad lighting and old furnishings.

Great library! Good workspaces, great selection of books and movies, and the staff are really…read morefriendly and helpful!

Great library . Nice and big. Very spacious and quiet. The staff are helpful and nice to talk to…read more The people are respectful and quiet at this library. The interior is classic Brighton but it is quite old fashioned and in need for a modernisation.

You'll need to reserve any popular book club type books waaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy in advance…read more The people of Port Phillip are a literary lot and often you will notice that there are 20+ people on the reserve waiting list ahead of you. A quiet library with all of the usual services. I have never had to line up and staff are efficient, albeit not overly cheery. It's disappointing that the library is closed on Sundays. Two handy services are: 1. The book recycling bins - where your pre loved books can be donated to benefit others 2. Battery disposal units - dispose of your used batteries in the enviro friendly way

Did you know there is a place where you can read the latest magazines, borrow DVDs and Cd's, get…read morenew release books and use computers and ipads...for FREE? I'm here today as an ex-librarian to share with you a secret. Your local library is not just a musty old room filled with old books and a cranky spinster telling you to "Be quiet!" Libraries are loud, fun and colourful and offer more services and entertainment then you thought! Rosanna Library is the smallest of the eight branches under the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service umbrella. It also happens to be my local. Despite the small size, the library works with what it has. I'm a fan of the large and colourful children's area that invites junior borrowers to play and read. The computer area that renders the Mac versus PC debate a non-issue or BYO laptop or ipad and use the free Wifi! Find a couch and stay a while or run in and out was quickly as possible with the self issue borrowing that lets you move on faster. Need help? Confused? Daunted? The staff will go out of their way to answer your questions and get you the information you need. They have heard it all so no question is too strange or obvious! They are also happy to have a chat or show you how to download the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy to your ipad. Yarra Plenty branches also host free events. Story times, morning tea, computer classes, cooking demonstrations just to name a few of the regular events you will find when you visit. Don't want to leave home, the YPRL website will keep you busy! You can thank me later!

Our group recently stopped atthe State Library of Victoria where the story of Ned Kelly and Redmond…read moreBarry was brought to life in the now infamous bullet proof armor permanently on exhibit. The La Trobe reading room (a tourist attraction in its own right) was packed with students on a Public holiday nonetheless. Stunning! Opened in 1913, this magnificent octagonal reading room is six stores high and can house 32,000 books and 320 readers at its desks. When it was built, the enormous reinforced-concrete structure was the largest in the world. Known as the Domed Reading Room until it was refurbished and reopened in 2003, the building is an architectural feat.

Three floors with two exhibition spaces. I also use the study room and peruse to magazines.read more

It's probably not the best location so not a lot of people goes there, which is fantastic for…read morepeople in the know as there are tons of library books that's probably has long waiting lists in the other libraries. They even have a 3D printing machine there which is super cool. Why have they got one there? I have nooooo idea! The children book area are well laid out and there are interactive games for children to play.

Where do I start, amazing views, amazing work and meeting areas, funky, digital native heaven,…read morechild frienfdly, a real Google/Yahoo factory feel. Plenty of space, technology is amazing, digital printing just print and send. (See pic) tram at the door right at the end of the new Collins Street Docklands stop. Quiet areas, the ambience is amazing. The only downfall that does not detract from 5 stars is the private cafe operator, no eftpos no cards, cash only, bitter coffee, lack lustre personality, time for a change of contractor I'd say or maybe some feedback from management to embrace the near perfect space. Oh, the plasma under the coffee tables are great and the best way to get your daily news fix. Love it Melbourne City Council. Oh and FREE Wifi woo hoo

I love lending libraries, particularly since one person pointed out that it is one of the very few…read moreplaces left in the world where we are not expected to spend money. They do have a decent selection of books, though of course, all the ones that I am looking for don't happen to be available. The other thing is that they have a decent-sized DVD collection, and not surprisingly a selection of comic books, including ones that aren't your typical superhero comics (though they have a fair few there as well). Sure, the wifi may be slow, but that usually has something to do with the number of people using it at the same time. Oh, and they have a coffee shop at the entrance.

This is one of the hidden gems that makes Melbourne CBD a bit of a special place for locals…read more What other library has a kick arse cafe downstairs, excellent bars and restaurants outside, fab new decor and an interior replete with dozens of nooks and niches for reading pleasure? Fuck all, that's how many. This place lends books (and they have a great selection for their size) but is just a relaxing place to kill an hour if you're in the city and don't feel like getting pissed yet. Alternatively, if you've had a couple and don't want to get your buzz on too much, it's a great place to curl up with a book, newspaper or magazine and just pass a bit of time. They also show art here and the gallery space is pretty rad. Plus, they have a craft market here from time to time, and it's proved the perfect buying ground for birthday pressies and make-up treats. Zing!