Sorry, but I love it here. They have just about everything or they can get you everything. And I…read moremean everything. Who cares the building is sort of worn down, right? And that it's packed most of the time. But I liked the spring morning ground floor view of the golden wattle in bloom. And for this I can forgive a lot! :) Oh, but what sucks is their policy for accessing journals.

I would say that this library is great whether you're a Melbourne Uni student or not. I believe…read moreit's recently renovated (I do recall about a year ago walking by this library and it was always closed off due to construction). Atmosphere: The place is relatively clean and very spacious. Also, as most libraries are, they are decently quiet so you can get decent peaceful studying in. Unfortunately, I warn you about the 1st and 2nd floor bathrooms. For some reason they smell horrible - every time I have to go to the restroom I always end up gagging. Utilities: ~ They have plenty of computers available for use. I do recommend booking ahead though. During a busy period, if you do not book a computer, you would get kicked off it if a student who has booked it comes by. ~ Plenty of learning centers as well which are private rooms. Study groups rejoice! ~ They have quite a few printers, but unfortunately not many scanners or copy machines. Sometimes you can get lucky, but at other times all the computers that are attached to scanners will be taken and you need to prepare to wait. I do believe that you need a Melbourne Uni Student Card to print because you load up money onto it. Staff: The staff are friendly and try their best, but some of them are clueless - especially just the volunteers who aren't actual librarians. I asked this woman if there was a stapler and she made a 20 minute dash around the library trying to procure one. I felt bad sending her on this massive quest so I can staple a few papers together. --- Overall, you can't really fault this library. It isn't jaw-droppingly amazing. But it does its job and it does it well.

The big blue monolith that is the Brunswick library, shares it site with the Brunswick Town Hall…read more The library is actually set in the old Town Hall theatre. Once you walk off the street you are met with an art deco foyer that makes you think you might see a film that still has an intermission. The foyer has some toilets that run off it that are spacious and in serious need of renovation - especially to the stink. The interior of the library is spacious. The shelves of books run in loops and lines in the theatre space. Unfortunately the stage isn't used for anything - they should definitely incorporate it, so to with the balcony that runs around the wall, at the moment it's just wasted space. There is a ok selection of books, music and film here. Only a few computers for Internet use - but yes it's still free, and the staff are super friendly. When I started asking about the actual site, they seemed to get excited and 1 went off and printed off a few pages of information for me. I was informed of an upcoming renovation and the large cracks in the walls were pointed out to me. I really hope they incorporate the stage.

The Brunswick Library is among the spacious and well loved of public libraries in the inner…read morenorthern suburbs. Housed in the old theatre of Brunswick Town Hall, it's got a relatively decent range of books, films and CDs in its collection that are free for anyone who wants to join up to borrow. The loan period errs on the short side for books, and there's a system of late fees for those tardy with returns. Anything out on loan can be booked for the whopping fee of $1.00, and will be held for you for a couple of days. The computers operate under a booking system, and they can be quite strict about this process so as to allow people without access to computers at home or at work to hook into the cyber age. There seems to be a good sized collection of foreign language books etc. to cater for Brunswick's famously multicultural (and multi-linguistic) community. There's also a bafflingly large collection of large print books for anyone who likes reading giant text. Readings and performances aimed at engaging with children's literacy are also held fairly regularly. The online catalogue can be confusing at times, with more specific search terms such as authors and titles often not churning out the desired results despite being present in their collection. Nonetheless, it's easy enough to work out a system around this, such as asking a librarian to do it for you. I find that usually gets you what you were looking for. But like any small library, it has its limitations, and finding more obscure books can be a bit hit and miss.

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.

My wife and I had heard about the State Library, and was interested in seeing what this looked like…read moreand ... there's no comparison with the libraries that we've been to. There is a big section of town where the trams are free to ride, and if you catch one of the 2 right trams, you can visit many of the attractions. We rode to the State Library - it was quite awesome to see how big it was, how many people - including many students - were using the facilities. There was also an interesting Children's Section. Interesting were also the various statues in front, including that "no-good" St. George that killed those poor innocent cute little dragons! Sob!

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.

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.

It's a lovely please for the kids and toddlers with so many books and toys to choose from and a…read morefriendly staff. I just wish they would pay more attention to the dirty carpet and stuffed toys and have them washed or replaced regularly.

Northcote Library is a large building across from Northcote Plaza on Seperation Street. As one of…read morefour Darebin libraries it has a wide range of books, DVDs, magazines and Cd's. There is a charge to request a hold ($1) which is more then some libraries charge but less then others. Considering all the amazing lending you receive free a hold change is nothing to complain about is it? Northcote Library itself is well set out. On the ground level you will find the fiction area, information desk and public computers, on the upper level is the nonfiction, a large and colourful junior area, a Italian language area, audio visual and event room. This library is missing a large area for laptop and wifi users although there are study corrals with power points for this use. Staff are friendly and helpful and provide a wide range of free events, classes and storytimes! Northcote Li bray is a great community hub. If your planning to spend the day here keep in mind that a 3 hour parking limit applies at Northcote Plaza and there is limited all day parking in the near by area. Perhaps catch the tram!

I do adore my local biblioteca, the Northcote Library. I'm a student at UniMelb but live in this…read moreneck of the woods so I do come here a lot to study. The Internet is free (and pretty reliable) with a library card and they do have computer stations if you are sans-lappytop. Print stations are also there if you need to print off some sweet recipes or your underwater basket weaving thesis. I haven't ever had trouble finding a quiet table to study with a power port nearby to plug in. The book section isn't massive, but there is enough there that you should be able to find at least one or a few books you have been wanting to read but never got around to because of all those 30 Rock DVDs you bought. You can also check out the online catalog and order books from other Darebin library locations to be sent to you for hold at Northcote. There is a small DVD section that could honestly use a bit more options but the music selection seems to be pretty good. For the news junkies in the house, there are plenty of newspapers and mags to keep you winning the current events round at trivia. It's a welcome space for whatever you're looking for out of a library and you'd be simply mad to not utilize this awesome resource.

For those of you following me I'm sure it is no surprise to see yet another library review…read more Libraries have always been part of my life, so much so that I spent over twelve years working in one. Anyway to the review at hand. Fitzroy Library at first glance is representative of the suburb it inhabits. Eclectic. Its location near the Town Hall between Smith and Brunswick Streets means that it probably should be busier then I found it to be an a quiet Monday morning. The staff were friendly, helpful and quick to assist! As a non-member i was still able to use the free wifi which was helpful, although its speed was a little sluggish. I loved the layout, despite being essentially one long room the stacks separate sections and give the appearance of little enclaves and lounge areas. The overall effect is one of intimacy. Chinese and Vietnamese collections mingle with fiction, nonfiction, children's and magazine collections. The study carrels with power points are perfect for a long haul session. Bonus points for the current fine amnesty!

- Friendly, comfortable and accommodating. - The staff are…read morepleasant and helpful. - The Wifi connection is rather slow and occasionally drops out. - Often quite loud, as there are always plenty of children on the communal computers, so if you need silence to work, this is not the place for you. - Offers a number of children's community programs including a story time and playgroup. - A large number collection of foreign language texts available for loan. - The DVD selection is on the small side, but does have some decent arthouse and difficult to find titles.