Walked by this building several times without knowing it was the state library. Impressed with the…read morediverse the collection. Part, museum, and multiple changing galleries. They also have a modern wing. Welcoming atmosphere, at the historical building with a warm hearty greeting. Close to the Royal botanic Gardens,

Quality/Quantity - Well if you are following, we visit all…read morethe local libraries during our travels. Great place to take a break. It is clean, has AC, bathrooms, wifi, etc. Atmosphere - Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. The lobby hours differ, see picture. 5 stories, 6 if you count the lobby, see picture of directory. Cool lobby decor, especially the glass floors of Sydney Harbor. Some history and art are also in the lobby. Plenty of comfortable seating throughout. Cool garden, exhibit, etc. A cafe on the 5th floor, but I think it was closed today. Not sure what time we arrived. I'm told they used to have a bar here. Service - Self service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Thank you for such a good public service.

I come here every three weeks because I can borrow Japanese books, magazines, comic books ( I…read moreborrow only Shigeru Mizuki's such as Gegege No Kitaro) and language text books/CDs. This library is in the great location. It's just in front of Circular Quay Station and Bus Terminals, plus very close to my work place. Free wifi Toilet locates in the 1st floor Very lovely and trendy restaurant

I'm a huge fan of libraries - they're like black holes to me, where I can go in and possibly never…read moreemerge. Unlike a bookshop where you know that any book that takes your fancy will hit pretty hard on your wallet, in a library you can sneak into just about anything knowing that if it turns out you really didn't want to know any more about the lifespan of a dung beetle or the moral values of 19th century American presidents, you're really no less well off. Mosman Library is A-OK. It has a reasonable collection of books, though I would like to see them a little more up-to-date, and I just can't help feeling a little miffed that I know in Victoria is it possible to put a request in for a book and have them order it for specially for you - not just from another branch of the library, but new from the publisher. Can we get that happening here?

Isn't it amazing that we have resources such as this. That we can just walk into a library and…read morepick-up hundreds of dollars worth of books and then just walk out. With books in Australia so ridiculously expensive and with an eye to conserving energy whilst still supporting the writing community, it should be mandatory to have a library card. It's perhaps no surprise then that my family and I are big fans of this space. It's an essential all weather venue for kids. Great when it's raining but crisply air-conditioned when it's baking hot. The children's section is brightly decorated and bubbles with an appropriate amount of energy and discipline for the surrounding. The children's library run great story sessions for babies and pre-schoolers, as well as activities during school holidays. Check out the website for specific times: http://www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/library/children The adults are well catered for too with a wide selection of texts and accommodating staff to help with enquires. They often have authors come to showcase their publications and it's well worth popping in to see what is up-coming. A new self, service check-out system is very easy to use and you can even renew online. So no late fees. Perfect.

Waverly Library is an important service for the community of Bondi Junction. The library is full of…read moreamazing encyclopedias of knowledge and information that allows the locals a chance to expand their knowledge of the wonderful world of ours. This place would definetly be a good place for some of the air heads of Bondi to pay a visit in between manicures and piccolo breaks. The library offers a grest area for local students to study in a quiet environment with the option to rent out books and things should they need them. The library is spacious so it's easy to find a quiet corner and lose the distractions. They offer free Wi-Fi which is pretty good when the books become too much and you need an answer fast. The library offers a range of classes here too, encouraging constant learning. I attended a stop motion animation class which was a lot of fun. My friends " Knowledge is Power".

Stanton Library is the kind of library you enjoy walking into. The leafy trees outside and the…read moreglass abundant building inspire relaxation and learning - two ingredients you want from a library experience. I love that this library has a floor devoted to kids and that it's downstairs away from the quieter parts of the library. Stanton is also an engaging hub for community activities. They frequently have author talk and photographic exhibitions. They also host book groups, a scrabble group, knitting groups, computer classes and school holiday activities. Story time for kids happens on Tuesday and Wednesday at 11am. All I needed to sign up proof of current address. With your library card you have access to World Book Online and Encyclopedia Britannica. The Internet is available to use for 1 hour each per day but if you have a laptop as I do ask for the password to hook into the free wireless network and you can browse for as long as you wish.

Stanton is one of those libraries which is conducive to study. Seriously! It has been designed…read morecapture views of the trees surrounding it, through enormous windows, and while inside you feel like you are in a tree, not in the heart of North Sydney. There are three or so levels, with study desks dotted around the place, my favourite spot being up the stairs that are on the side as soon as you enter the main entrance. This, however, is also the place where author talks happen, they generally happen during the week at 1pm, so you may need to clear out, or take part. Downstairs there is a separate study room which is closed off, a good thing too because it is smack bang in the middle of the kids section. The desks all have power points nearby for easy laptop use. Parking during the day on the street is easy, but its only 1P, so as long as your library trip is short you will be fine. ($2.40/hr).

Amazing selection of books and magazines. Really enjoyed reading on the second floor as it's…read moreusually much quieter upstairs.

Is life in the Eastern Subbsies getting you down? The constant pressure to look good and feel great…read morebecoming more than you can bare? Maybe you're just sick of floppy felt hats and high-waisted jorts. Fret not, friend, for there is an oasis of calm within reach. Perched above secluded Redleaf beach (AKA Murray Rose Pool) like a wise and paternal owl is DB Library, a small, charming, and utterly delightful little place in an old heritage/style building with views over the gardens and the ocean, fast, free wi-fi, books and magazines, open, light-splashed group work areas, and nooks to hide yourself in. Frequented by everyone from octeganarians familiarising themselves with the internet to students working on uni projects to yummy mummies planning out their next blog post. My finest find this month.

Beautiful view of the public garden, bay, and tennis court. Plenty of lighting with…read morefloor-to-ceiling windows at the end of the library with adjustable curtains for when the sun is shining a little too directly into the library. Rather limited seating, as this place is surprisingly popular. Only two worktables and another small table with 4 public computers with internet for public use. Unprotected, free WiFi available. I also appreciate how they maintain a warm, comfortable temperature inside (especially during winter!). While there are decorative and inviting cushions scattered throughout the small library, there are no real comfy lounge chairs to enjoy a book. Best to come here to grab a book and do work, but not really to lounge. There is a separate children's library downstairs as well. Nice way to keep working/studying adults & children apart.

Gladesville Library is one of the "satellite" libraries of the Ryde Library Service and it is a…read moregreat and convenient library adjacent to the Gladesville Victoria Road commercial strip. Staff are always helpful, borrowing is breeze with an automated machine and there is always a good range of books and research materials as well as computers, magazines and a decent children's section. But best of all are the online services this library network offers. Firstly, you can log from home (or anywhere) and search the catalog and order any book in the collection and have is delivered to one of the satellite libraries for free. You will go in a queue if it's a popular book. Extending the loan can also be done on-line. Secondly, the library offers Zinio (a world-wide service) where you can download the latest editions of popular Australia and and International magazines on to you iPad, computer or e-book reader and it's free! Will never have to buy Australian Gourmet again! Thirdly is the e-book collection that can also be downloaded on iPads, etc using the Overdrive app on your iPad. Although it's one of the smaller of the Ryde libraries it is a true local gem for bookworms!