I love lending libraries, particularly since one person pointed out that it is one of the very few places 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. read more

See all

This is one of the hidden gems that makes Melbourne CBD a bit of a special place for locals. 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! read more

City Library - Libraries Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

See all

A great library, even though I have not had a need to sign up and become a member. The magazines are a great read, and they are usually quite up to date on the current issues; so why bother going to the news agent and buying the current issue of your favourite magazines while you can read it here in this library. A great place to work, study and write. You just have to turn your mobile phones off as in any library. Get there as early as you can to snap up the great writing and study spaces. If you head in after lunchtime, good luck in finding a suitable spot. It is a great environment that just churns out creativity and productivity in almost anyone who needs a bit of motivation to get their work started and happening. The great thing about the location of this library is the number of coffee hubs around, especially in nearby Degreaves Street to reward yourself with a latte for all of your productiveness. The staff are friendly, it is a trendy Melbourne feel the moment you step inside, and the restrooms are always clean which is pleasing to notice. read more

City Library - Libraries Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

The main reason why I regularly visit this library in the city is to go to the upstairs floor where there is a gallery space and piano. Any visitor can use the piano but I haven't felt confident enough of my ability to play to try the piano (I suppose a lot of people feel this way because I've never heard it played). There are regular exhibitions on the long wall in this space from community groups and individual artists that change monthly. The gallery area has seats and is a quiet place to sit and read in the current art magazines that are appropriately kept in this gallery space. As well as the gallery space upstairs there are also regular video art projected on the large wall in the foyer, just after you go up the steps. I haven't found the library's collection of books that impressive, it is just an ordinary public library. The library it isn't that big but the interior is newly designed and very pleasant. There are some small study/meeting rooms but you do need to book these well in advance, as they are popular with students. read more

City Library - Libraries Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

I can't think of many other libraries that will let you switch the language on the self-checkouts to "pirate." It's details like these that make this one of the better libraries I've been to around the world. Want a book transferred? They'll not only email when it's in, they'll text you as well. Want a book that they don't have? Well, either I have great taste or they're really nice, because 99% of the books I suggest they end up buying. It's like having my own private bookstore! There are also all of the events the library puts on -- for free. I've been to lectures, gallery openings, and am still bummed I missed out on Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer giving a surprise performance/reading. The staff are attentive and helpful, the computers are easy to book, the website's easy to read, the newsletter often has contests. What's not to love? Get yourself a library card and go experience the wonders of the City Library, posthaste! read more

Every other Saturday I trek into the city to pick up reading/watching/listening materials at City Library. I'm a total media nut with limited financial resources which makes library visits an essential for me. City Library helps fulfill my book/CD/movie fixes without hurting my wallet (except for those pesky fines I incur when I forget to return materials on time!) Today at the library I read my favourite magazines from the US, including hard to find "Bust" mag, and super expensive (18 bucks per issue in Oz) Vanity Fair. I then took out three recently released films on DVD, an obscure crime novel that I'd been coveting on Amazon.com, and several CDs of local indie music. We are super lucky to have such a well stocked and well curated library in Melbourne. read more

Best place in town to find gems to read for free or watch movies.I saw all 4 seasons of Mad Men on blue ray courtesy library. Books are issued for three weeks at a time. DVDs/CDs/BDs for 1 week. You can renew them via library website. You can also reserve in advance. Reserved items are kept in Library for a week. Membership is easy. Just fill up application form and have any address proof. PS: you can also suggest books for library to purchase read more

Most reviews have articulated how good City Library is. My contribution is to check your books out in pirate mode, me hearties. Never fails to make me giggle. read more

I always think of a lending library as being a bit of a daggy place, filled to the brim with old books, obsolete computers and out-of-date magazines. Don't get me wrong, I love the whole experience of going to a library. I just wouldn't describe them as especially cool (or well funded). The City Library seems to have ignored the memo about what a library should look like. It's slick, bright, modern, and the staff are bubbly and eager to help. There's a cafe down the hall that does excellent coffee and muffins, and CAE on the level above just in case you get inspired by all the books and feel the urge to do a few short courses. read more

City Library - Libraries Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Here for everything a good library provides. Air conditioning, free wifi and somewhere to sit. Taking a star off because the seats could be more comfortable. Also this is a quiet library. Great escape from the hassle and bustle going on in the street. read more

This local gem can be found and used by anyone living or even visiting the city. Even though I was a tourist and only stayed in Melbourne for 3 short months, the city library instantly offered me membership. They have a special membership for residents from other states and although I could only borrow a few items a day, it was still worth it and I am truly grateful to them for offering me membership. Their collection is really good. And with 3 other local libraries linked, the collection gets amazing! They had multiple copies of the latest books and a very good dvd collection. Forget Oovie Movies, borrow the latest and classic collection of movies from here for free everyday. My favourite magazines were listed but I could never get hold of them.. The first floor has a huge collection of fiction books and there are reading rooms. The library offers free wifi too. But what makes this library special is their partnership with Bolinda Audio. Bolinda has one of the finest Audiobook collections and as a library member you can access and borrow up to 4 audiobooks virtually. Bolinda is heaps better than Overdrive. Overdrive has iPod connectivity but doesn't work on a Mac and most of their content is not on MP3 format, making it difficult to download and borrow. If you are planning on using the computers in the library, reserve in advance. Although they have sufficient computers, the waiting period can be long. There is also a gallery space and Piano! Seriously, can this place get more appealing! read more

Great library and a great place to take some time out at If you work or live City Central. Huge range of books and aircon for the summer swelt. read more

I really like visiting libraries and finding what new books i can discover. This library has a handy location in the CBD so can be combined whatever else you're doing in the city. I like to come hete if i have time to kill and relax with a book or magazine and enjoy the air con. The other reviews sum it up pretty well so just check it out. read more