If your heading down Plenty Road towards South Morang and you see the giant space ship looking…read morebuilding, don't despair. This is not an alien invasion taking place on the outskirts of Melbourne suburbs, rather it's Mill Park library! This huge building is a purpose built library with more space then Star Trek. This building is seriously huge. As well as ample space you will find a fantastic range of books, magazines, DVDs and Cd's from the Yarra Plenty Regional Library collection. You will also find a quiet study room with sound proof glass and plenty of tables, a multimedia room and a genealogy room! The varied free events program makes the most of the space. The large children's area is host to many story times and school holiday events. Jack the Community Liaison runs all kind of programs from classes and workshops to sci-fi clubs and cooking demonstrations. The staff are happy to show you around and help you with all your technology and literary needs. Trust me, no question is too random for library staff!

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!

This tiny library is located behind Bulleen Plaza which makes it a handy location to drop by after…read moreyour shopping. Apart from its convenient location, the space itself is too small for the stock and I'm afraid I am spoiled when it comes to libraries, so I expect space and light and technology. Bulleen falls short in each of these area's. As a member of the Whitehorse-Manningham Library service of which Bulleen is part of, you will have access to a great collection of books, magazines, DVDs and Cd's at no charge. Unless you return your loans late you cheeky devil. So obviously a library service is still a fantastic thing to have access too, however if your want a library to luxuriate in all morning then perhaps head to a larger branch. There are few desks for laptop users and newspaper readers which to me is a downfall. The staff here are friendly and helpful and there is plenty of parking nearby. The library does it's best with the little space it has and it does fit in with the atmosphere at Bulleen Plaza.

Next to The Centre Ivanhoe is a large three story 1960's style building, home to the Ivanhoe…read moreLibrary. As part of the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service Ivanhoe Library has an amazing range of books, DVDs, cds and magazines. Ivanhoe Library hosts a wide range of events and has all the services you expect from your local library plus all the extras that are available at a YPRL branch. The ground floor is home to the information desk while the first floor has a Wii room and Genealogy area, the top floor is a space for events and study. From the third floor the view of Melbourne's CBD is stunning, a total distraction from your study. Free wifi and CBD views. What more could you want? On a balmy summers evening my favourite way to take a study break is grabbing an ice cream from Cosi Duci and spend time catching up with friends at the courtyard outside the library. It may not be the most modern building or innovative space, but as far as a traditional library atmosphere, Ivanhoe has it!

Opposite the Watsonia Shopping precinct lies a hidden gem in wait. An unsuspecting building that…read morelocals pass on the way down to Watsonia Train Station. What lies within? You guessed it (or maybe the review title gave it away) it is the Watsonia Library! This modern and spacious library is the perfect antidote to musty old libraries of the past. This public space has free computer use, free wifi, free events, free borrowing. Just bring some ID with your current address and you have the facilities of 8 Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries at your fingertips. Awesome yes? Watsonia has space to relax, study or read in. The young adult area has funky seats, magazines, books, graphic novels and DVDs. The aisles a wide enough to comfortably browse the fiction, non-fiction and large print collections. They also have an outdoor reading area for those sunny days where being outside is the only option. The library has lots of places to enjoy the events program or to read a magazine and a room that is available for hire. Just ask the staff at the desk. The self check out system is fast and easy to use, and the friendly staff here are happy to show you how to use it and answer any questions you have. Wastonia Library is modern, spacious and innovative. If you like you libraries musty and old school then head elsewhere!

After a years absence I returned to this library on the weekend and I was shocked! They managed to…read moreredesign it in the image of my perfect library. Thanks guys. Eltham Library suits the bush setting it is located in. Lots of wood and curving verandas on the outside and a huge cavernous space yet also intimate inside. The complex is also home to a cafe and gallery space so if you need a study break you can grab a coffee or some inspiration. The futuristic returns machine greets you as you head in. It takes getting used to but is a novelty for now. Then there is the fantastic magazine area complete with tables and a fire! The large and slightly segregated children's area flows out to a courtyard space with an arty vibe and great for warmer weather. The large teen space is where you should head to play the Wii or like, chillax. There are plenty of public computers and if you head up to the mezzanine their is a quiet study area which is a great place to head with your laptop, or overlook Shillinglaw Cottage down the back of the main level. As part of Yarra Plenty Library they have a great range of books, magazines and audio visual items and they do a fantastic events program that reflects the artistic community. The staff are fabulous and friendly so head in and say hello!