The Woodville library is part of the Charles Sturt Civic Centre, and well worth a visit. It is the…read morelargest of the region's several libraries, and has the nicest feel to it. There is a large, friendly children's section when you first walk in, and a nice, quiet computer section hidden around the corner. The main body of the library is filled with book shelves (as you might expect) and they hold a very different range to the others. There are hundreds of graphic novels here - a really impressive selection, as well as lots of non-fiction and Russian and Indonesian language books. Their standard fiction range is quiet small, and neatly classified into genres. Near the graphic novels is a large range of children's and teenage books. This would be a great place to study, as it's quiet and spacious and has several large tables for general use. There are plenty of computers here, quite a few more than at the other libraries, and some nice places to sit and read.

From the owner: Your Charles Sturt Library Service 'one card'... enables you…read moreto borrow 100 items per card, including 20 DVDs and 20CDs. -opens the door for you to access over 130 libraries and millions ofitems through your local library. -is the key to requesting up to 30 items. -allows you to renew your loan periods twice if the item isn't requested. This means you could borrow a 4 week book for up to 12 weeks. -sends you a reminder... an email or SMS will be sent to you 3 days before your items are due.

Beautiful from the outside, this library is amazing on the inside. I love libraries, and can't help…read moremyself. I have to go in every library I pass. I'm so sad this isn't my local library! It would make me so happy to come here regularly. It's best to look at the photos to see what I mean. The interior is incredibly intricate (though somewhat obscured by ugly air vent things - the tragedy of modern conveniences). Also, as a functioning library, it has a great range of reading materials, especially in terms of general adult fiction and teenage fiction. And they have a cute kids corner. There's also a separate computer room with plenty of computers. The whole family could be very happy in here. Please, can I move in? Come to this library to escape from the heat, and enjoy its beauty and a good book.

...Otherwise known as West Torrens Library…read more A+ A fabulous and well-loved community hub. Free WiFi, toy rentals, language kits, a community bulletin board, a jp, a copy centre and a quiet study area... all within an attractive, bright building. Outstanding! Large collection of books (not to turn this into a pissing contest, but for context the Hamra Centre Library is far larger than any of the city libraries). The brand new books tend to be enticing. The website leaves a lot to be desired. Why snuggle up with a good book... when you can have so many new encounters?

Came here for the 'Taste of Indonesia' evening, and so glad that my friend booked me in…read more Apparently I should have booked earlier, and they managed to squeeze us in. It was held at the auditorium and there were hot finger food on offer. There were more than enough for a taste and the 'chef' had done a great job with spring roll and seafood fritters, and then the yummy well marinated chicken. Then there were Indonesian cakes! Wow the kueh dardar were great, they were still warm when placed on the table! They were gone in flat 2 seconds. There were a good selection of local cakes of sorts. Very well catered food wise. Well done. Now to the music, the angklung which originated from West Java made of bamboo generated a very beautiful unique sounds. They ladies who were immaculately dressed in sarong kebaya did a great job on the angklungs and they played a wide selection of music from Australian favourites to children rhymes to Indonesian national tune with a bit of Latin American thrown in. A lot of us swayed to the music n hummed n clapped, a lot of audience participation for sure. It was a fun evening for young n old. In between the brackets of music, Ibu Annie showed us different types of batik n she even brought her mother's fine embroided top. In another section, she showed us the hand cut leather puppets which were used for shadow puppet shows and a 3 dimensional puppet as well. She gave us a brief insight and history of puppet shows. Overall, it was a definitely well presented cultural introduction of Indonesia. The next scheduled cultural introduction will be on Africa, stay tuned as it will be sometime in September! Check on their website and keep an eye out for it! Don't forget to check out their free movie nights on offer, the next one is 'the book thief', if you haven't seen it, please go along to check it out, worth a couple of idle hours.

Wonderfully located near public transit, that fabulous shopping center, and a decently-sized car…read morepark, the Unley library is well worth getting home late. The children's area is particularly well organized in a way that shows you that they know their audience. My little dude quickly found books from his favorite authors. The toys, the colors, the collections.... brilliant. There seems to always be something interesting happening and you'll probably see me there later during the upcoming Umbrella Festival.

I love libraries (probably because I love books. Der...) and I was stoked when I discovered Unley…read morewas my new local. It has a modern fit out and a lot to offer over two levels. One of the most popular services is the membership-based toy library. There are an array of games, learning toys, puzzles, role play, dress ups and larger items for inside and outside play. The library has a large children's area, half filled with rows of books while the other half is an open space and regularly hosts book readings and activities sessions for children under five. It's a lovely space to sit and read to your child or enjoy your own book while your child places with the large foam square and mushroom stools. In addition to the usual selection of books, the library offers 'Hot Reads' - the latest books available for 10 days instead of four weeks for those that can speed read and get it back on the shelves for the next person. You can't reserve these and it's pot luck if you find one. There is a large table offered both upstairs and downstairs which most people utilise to read the daily papers. I have also just discovered a quiet study room upstairs with booths conducive to working or writing a uni paper. The library offers wi-fi for personal laptops. Ask at the counter for the necessary form and you'll be given a login and password. There are also a bank of computers you can book for an hour at no charge. These are popular and usually need to be booked in advance which I think you can do online. Otherwise, you can call ahead and ask for one to be reserved.

West Lakes is definitely my favourite out of all the Charles Sturt Library branches. The staff are…read morefriendly, it's always easy to find a nice quiet place to study or read, no-one will disturb you (unless you're about to get hit on which in that case, good for you!) and the selection is fairly large. Plus if they don't have a book or something else that you're after then you can book it from another library and it will arrive within a few days, sometimes it'll even be there the same day you book it! Talk about awesome service. One of the things I love most about this library is the extensive DVD collection. It's insane for a library! Who needs to go to the video store when you take a trip to the library and borrow what you like for free? I like the sounds of that. They've recently added a pretty sweet blu-ray selection and an incredible classics selection. I never realised how many old movies there were that I've never even heard of (and I like to think of myself as a movie buff!). This is definitely my go-to place when I want to find an awesome movie to watch for free, and of course the books. The only reason why I'm giving this 4 and not 5 stars is because the books I go looking for are always available and I have to wait for them to be sent from another library, and sometimes the movies are too damaged to watch. It doesn't happen often, but when it does it's still annoying.

From the owner: Your Charles Sturt Library Service 'one card'... -enables…read moreyou to borrow 100 items per card, including 20 DVDs and 20CDs. -opens the door for you to access over 130 libraries and millions ofitems through your local library. -is the key to requesting up to 30 items. -allows you to renew your loan periods twice if the item isn't requested. This means you could borrow a 4 week book for up to 12 weeks. sends you a reminder... an email or SMS will be sent to you 3 days before your items are due.

I love how each library has a certain personality and focus. I know where to go when I want…read moresomething particular, and there are many libraries to choose from in Adelaide. Hindmarsh Library is spacious and cool, a great place to browse its dozens of newspapers, or its decidedly odd, yet interesting, non-fiction range. In the non-fiction section there is a row dedicated to sexuality, along the lines of "What Men Want" and "Orgasm" which sets this suburban library somewhat apart from its city counterparts. There is also a focus on spirituality, several guide books by Deepak Chopra, alongside titles like "Understanding the Future" and "Life Before Life", to complement the usual offerings of hefty books on Ancient Philosophy and Christian Apologetics. There is a limited number of computers for normal use, along with scanners and catalog computers. The wall art changes every two months to display local artworks. The art on display this month was made by the children of Bowden and Brompton Community School, though most often they display adult artwork from surrounding community art programs. There is a length of windowed wall overlooking Port Road, dedicated to plugging in laptops. From a high swivel chair you can survey the passing parade as your batteries chug back to life. At 2pm on a Thursday afternoon, the place is hushed, quiet and peaceful. My neighbourhood friend regularly complains of the noise levels in the library after school hours, when the space 'becomes a playgroup', but during school hours it is perfect for those seeking a quiet reading place. A table at the front displays new items. One that catches my eye is titled "Wolfsbane and Mistletoe", a book of festive werewolf short stories. The fiction collection is only as large as the non-fiction section, and romance novels comprise a quarter of it, so I don't come here for the latest quality fiction. There is a computer dedicated to Genealogy, which I have never been brave enough to approach, as well as a set of shelves for family and local history records. While you can connect to wireless, it is painfully slow, so don't expect to achieve much in a hurry.

Sometimes I wish they would amalgamate all the council libraries into four or five really awesome…read moreones. But then I remember that not everyone can ride their bike or drive wherever they want. Out of the many council libraries in my immediate zone, Hindmarsh is one of the better ones. It is quite large and modern, and has a mobile book service which is great for people who are unable to leave their home. As well as their excellent physical collection they have a small collection of online e-books, encyclopaedias and newspapers. In particular the children's e-book collection is an impressive online resource. During the summer the library hosts some great activity days for kids - storytime days and cooking days. As Jo mentioned, the fiction collection is a little paltry - it might do well to get a general public card for a university library like the Barr Smith if you're looking for a better range.

A library set amongst leafy trees, greenery and creek. Spread a picnic rug with a favourite book in…read morehand and watch ducklings grace the gentle stream or eager four legged friends chase a ball or two. This library is close to my heart as it is well stocked with all the latest titles, host author appearances, school holiday activities, baby and toddler activities and many more community related events. The free Xbox 360 facilities is a favourite amongst kids here and I've always been impressed by their little surprises of coffee/tea and biscuits treat for library patrons. It's the little things that matter and makes you return for more. The staff and volunteers are absolutely friendly, full of smiles and always enjoy a chat with the regulars. You can truly feel a sense of community spirit here. If I may borrow dictum from Roald Dahl, which only seems appropriate as I review this venue. "And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."

In terms of setting Mitcham library is up there with the best, and there is substantial parkland…read moreand trees that make it rather picturesque. Inside the selection of books and library resources are quite good with a vast collection of varying titles. There are also various initiatives such as computer lessons for adults, and reading activities for children on particular days of the week. The library is well organized and has a photocopier and a few computers, which I suggest you book if you require them for something urgent.

I love this place! I have some pretty find memories of Goodwood Library and it still lives up to…read morethem as an adult. There's a good range of books to sort through (and, now that the state libraries are all connected, anything they are missing can be ordered in from elsewhere) and the lay out is quite pleasant. It is divided up into different nooks depending on age and genre of the book selection which gives one a cosy and secluded feeling while browsing. There are plenty of nice spots to sit and read too - including a little outdoor area with table and chairs which you access from the middle of the library. It's quite easy to while away a whole day here. Getting to the library is easy- there's plenty of parking nearby and the bus and tram stop practically on the door step.

Who knew Good wood had a library? It looks like a store that is closed and up for lease to me, I…read moreonly noticed it when I was crossing the road from Model Flight. So I decided to check this little alien library out, curiosity got the better of me. I sidled on in and tried to look like I belonged because I almost felt like I was cheating on my local library, I'm funny like that. Of course I was immediately bailed up by a librarian asking me if she could help; why is it that when you are trying to look normal you immediately come across as suss? I continued to browse and I found that I almost wished this was my local library, only because there is a toy library where you can hire stuff for birthday parties, there are alot of young children in my family and I can see the benefit in this service, plus, it keeps them busy while you browse for a novel. Sadly I cannot form a relationship with Goodwood Library because it is too far away and because that would be cheating.

Tynte St Library holds a special place in my heart in more ways than one and is probably one of the…read moremost community orientated local government facilities that actually works. The locals are here on a daily basis borrowing and returning books, having a chat with the library staff and make friendships and acquaintances more often than not. A great meeting place for the community are there are various programs run by the library and the Community Centre out the back. Adelaide City Council libraries - as far as I - offer a service to purchase items for you if none of their library centres possess it in their collection! Mind you it is at their discretion if they decide not too for any reason. It has the largest kids area from all four public libraries in the city and have childrens programs such as storytime once a week and look on their website for school holiday programs too. Their DVD collection is second to none and can contend with any video store in the State! CD's also are extensive but a warning...if you're found to be burning (copying) any, you will be banned from the library for a year! Library membership is free and remember to bring your ID when joining. Word of warning though...watch out for overdue fees and reminder notices after 30 days of items being late as they carry a whopping $16 fee! But there is a way to avoid all these by registering with a world wide organisation by selecting the basic free of charge option called Library Elf. Follow the directions and you can set it to send you reminders before your items are overdue, most libraries should tell you about the service but not all staff remember to mention it. Tynte St Library has two return chutes, one on the footpath which is good for wheel chair bound patrons and another built into the front door.

Does getting a tongue lashing from a librarian make them even more attractive?…read more I think so. Or at least having that thought at the time made my $50 fine sting just a little less. This space is tiny. If you haven't been, take what you're imagining and divide it in half. But they don't call Adelaide the learnered city for nothings. There's a brilliant system which overcomes this space issue. You're able to search (we have the technology!) the cumulative collection of the four city libraries and request items to be sent to your closest branch. Extra points for progressiveness, you can check out ebooks, hop on the net for free and use the website to read current newspapers from around the world. A great resource, IT'S FREE (so long as you return things on time), so don't overlook it! Now to leave you with some Librarian jargon that sounds dirty (thank's McSweeney's!): Colon classification, depth indexing, full entry, information package...