You know you live in an awesome community when you have access to a library like this! The Stirling…read morelibrary is one of the more well designed and furbished community libraries I have been to over the years. Might be the area, but I think that the Adelaide Hills Council have invested very well in the design of this building. It is very open, with some beautiful views of the grassed area and trees in front of the building. There is a great range of books available for all ages. Separated in easily defined areas for adults, young persons and children. I always find myself drawn to the cookbook sections of libraries. What can I say, I love food! The cookbook section in this library is very up-to-date and holds a great selection. It is great to see when community libraries invest on purchasing new books regularly. There are also lot of computers and two large printers to access with your library card. So if you need to check your emails or don't have a printer at home, don't hesitate to drop in. I have used the printer's on many occasions. They are cheap and good quality prints in black and white and colour. The staff in this library are so wonderfully helpful and happy. When ever I have needed assistance in finding a book or using the printers, they have gone out of their way to make sure I get what I need. This is very refreshing than many other libraries I have been to. In fact, the complete opposite from the librarians of my primary and secondary schooling! ;) Last thing to mention as a tip, if you do not have any money for the DVD store, community libraries are a great way to borrow DVD's for free. Something I learnt when I was a poor uni student. The selection in this library is great! Also, keep an eye out in the warmer months, this library sets up fold up chairs on the grasses area for you to sit and read. This library is close to many coffee shops as well. So why not get a take away coffee and book from the library. Then you can then sit on a chair on the grass and relax in the hub of Stirling.

The Stirling Library underwent some serious changes in the last few years, a whole new building was…read morebuilt to house both the library and council services. needless to say it is now far more modern and accessible and dare I say aesthetically pleasing. There is a pretty decent range of fictional material available here, not so big on artsy material though which irritates me, I'd like to learn how to draw something other than Manga characters. I'm confident if I expressed this wish to the staff they would be more than happy to get some material in from another library, guess I'm just lazy. There are a number of computers available with internet access, a photocopier and a couple of printers for your printing convenience. I struggled to use the printer but then I generally do this stuff from home so maybe I'm just a bit slow. My favourite thing to do when I'm here is to grab a novel (self serve borrowing system which is so much faster) and head outside to read my book whilst lounging on the lush council lawns. Although this is primarily a library/ council, functions are held here too, I recently went to a Masquerade ball here as part of the Spring Expressions Festival, I had a good time and drank too much champagne. Definitely a winner.

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.

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.

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.

I like the fact this library is linked with 5 others in surrounding areas within this council…read moreregion so one card can be used at all libraries and you can borrow and return to and from any of them. Their online facility is amazing and you are not only able to search their database for all their libraries but also request a copy of something, go on a waiting list, request an item be transferred to a library closer for you to pick up, not to mention the My Account section with all your own details and borrowing records. You can borrow books for about a month nowadays which gives you plenty of time to get through what you do borrow and not have to visit the library every weekend for change overs. There is a great kids section downstairs and it is away from the other stuff so they can really focus. They also have some cool events and reading clubs (especially in the school holidays), check them out online.

Love this library. I use the online service and put whatever books I'd like on hold, and they…read morenotify me when they become available for me. Pretty awesome!

The Marion Cultural Centre opened in 2001 and was quite a controversial topic because of its design…read moreas it incorporates the word 'Marion', it's certainly a visible landmark for the suburb. The architectural design was also another first for government or private businesses to incorporate energy saving systems. It has stormwater collection facilities allowing water to be filtered and stored on site then distributed to Adelaide's subterranian aquifier, solar hot water, evapoartive air conditioning, energy efficient lighting and a low maintenance garden. If only we can all afford that! It is situated between the Marion Shopping Centre and the new Marion Aquatic Centre. The centre houses a theatre, meeting rooms, art gallery, café, foyer, plaza and the Marion Library, which have individual opening hours so it's best to check the City of Marion website attached with this review. During the school holidays the whole complex run their own programs to keep kids and parents occupied. The library is open plan and easy to navigate, membership is free, the gallery is bright and colourful with lots to see during exhibition events and there's art and craft to purchase, the theatre screens movies, hosts plays, etc, meeting rooms for hire and the foyer itself hosts various functions and events. Feeling peckish? Fear not as there is a fully equipped cafe with a great selection of light meals, snacks and hot and cold drinks. This year on December 10th area surrounding the centre will host its first market, so keep an ear out for next year if you miss this years market. Definitely a good place for the whole family.

I used to think the Marion Cultural Centre was a complete and utter eyesore. Its ultra modern…read morearchitecture used to exist un-surrounded by other buildings but since the Aquatic Centre and other buildings and have sprung up around it, its taken on a new life and now seems to fit well into its surroundings. If you look closely you'll realise the architectural team who designed the building have managed to incorporate the word MARION into the external features of the building - pretty clever really. After disapproving from afar for a long time, I finally went inside and was genuinely impressed ... what an amazing public space! Inside the Cultural Centre are a variety of public spaces. There's the Marion Library which is open 7 days a week and offers computers for public use complete with internet access. There are also a couple of rooms available for hire known as the Sturt and Green Rooms - the Green is clearly a reference to the Marion Council's commitment to environmental issues. The Domain Theatre that seats 280 people, plays host to all sorts of events and comes complete with its own box office to manage ticket sales. Gallery M is the Cultural Centre's 'state of the art' art space and is also open all week. Entry is free and individuals or groups can hire the space for their own exhibitions. The gallery has an amazingly high ceiling and I've been told there's something like 66 linear metres of hanging space. The only drawback within the centre is Signatures Café. I have to admit I haven't eaten there but I was sorely disappointed with their coffee! I recommend having a closer look at the exterior of the building to see if you can make out the letters and of course taking a tour of the facilities inside the building. It's a great place and well worth a visit.

The City of Marion has three public library locations which are at the Cultural Centre, Hallett…read moreCove and Park Holme, I went to visit Park Holme. First impressions...bland from the outside - looks like a police station - and large on the inside, several internet PCs, checkout stations and low line book shelves. There's also a large decoupaged table which looks interesting and serves a purpose. But as with every library they offer more than what meets the eye, this particular branch services the local community via the mobile library runs, which is great for people young and old who cannot come to the library. This library also has a toy section available for borrowing and suitable for children up to the age of twelve. Currently they're doing a food for fines amnesty until the end of January 2012, which will be donated to charity. I noticed their reference collection is mixed in with the regular loan materials, at least that way it can be seen and utilised even if it's within the library only. The borrowing amounts are generous.

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.