Gone are the days where libraries were like stepping into a black hole of silence and study. Today's libraries are all about community and activity and the City Library is a great example.
For the parents, it's a great stop off for the kids. There's a good, open kids book section complete with mini kid-sized cushions for you to awkwardly try to sit on as you read to your kids.
Need a bit of quiet time? Have no fear there's free wifi here too if you need to check those footy scores while the kids explore the rest of what the library has to offer. - but why let them have all the fun?
In the Innovation Lab, there are 3D printers to check out, a 3Doodler (a pen that writes vertically...) to play with and not to mention, there are a few books there too.
Centrally located, the new Adelaide City Library sits right at the heart of Adelaide City in the new Rundle Place complex, overlooking the hustle and bustle of Rundle Mall.
The entrance to the City Library is tucked down a lane way (Francis Street) and up 6 flights of stairs (or Level 3 via the lift). You can also enter via the Rundle Place car park lifts where it's actually on Level 6. Quirky nuances but all part of the adventure...
It has everything you'd expect from a modern library - plenty of computers, reading spaces, books, media and even a very nice outdoor reading area. But this library is more than a place to go find a good book, it's a community hub that's bursting with potential.
The whole library has the feel of a flexible, modular space with a number of studios and labs available to be used by community groups for everything from computer game development to art exhibitions.
As well as the studios, there are also a few specialised areas like the Innovation Lab with those cool 3D toys. The Digital Hub also has a suite of computers and the library offers regular free training from the basics like how to use an iPad to using social media for your business. For the history buffs, the History Hub serves as your go-to place for a look back in time.
Finally, for the parents with small kids, there is a very clean Parents Room in the a Rundle Place food court. To get there, head out the 'back' entrance of the Library towards the carpark and head down the lifts to the lower ground level and follow the signs. Coles is also there if you forgot to bring snacks and the food court has a decent number of lunch options.
Go check out what a community library in the city is all about. read more