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!

Seaford Library is one of 6 libraries within the City of Onkaparinga. The best part about this is…read moreyour card for one works at all six and you can borrow and return to and from any of them. It's a fantastic system and so much easier than having to have different cards for each. They have a great online facility where you can see what you have out and when it is due back, even extend your loan longer on an item to save visiting the library at all. It's great to be able to check online for the kids cards so I know what they have and when it has to go back as well. They are closed on Sundays but Woodcroft is open Sundays. Otherwise this one is open late Thursday nights, handy with the shopping centre so close, and also Saturday mornings. Pretty much sandwiched in between 2 schools but there is parking for the library but possibly avoid it at peak school drop off and pick up times if you can.

Great library with heaps of seminars where you can learn new skills. I have seen it changed…read morenumerous times and these days it incorporates a small front desk that has taken the place of the old council chambers. You can ask questions about local going ons and pay council rates. One of the sad aspects of this library was the passing of the resident python, Solomon. He lived at this location for a good 25 years. He was always the first stop as a kid and occasionally he would be let out on arranged dates for some exercise and a treat for the locals. Good range of books but if you're looking for peaceful times to go in choose non-school hours as it also doubles as the local high school resource which is attached to the north of the library.

I've thoroughly enjoyed using this library. It's a fun place for children to learn and be engaged…read morein the world of books. They also have a great toy library for children. Whenever I've needed to use computers, photocopiers or needed help tracking down a book or five, the staff have been very helpful and accommodating. It feels like their range is greater than the Woodcroft Library, but the great thing about the Onkaparinga Libraries is that you can search and request books online. If the book I want is in Noarlunga for instance, I can request it to my nearest branch, saving me time and petrol. The library is always busy! The car park probably isn't as big as it would ideally be, but the car park for the Hub shops is just a short walk away. There's a flight of stairs to travel down and now that I think of it, I didn't see a ramp anywhere. There would have to be an entrance somewhere for those people who can't make it up and down stairs but my detective skills have let me down this time....sorry! They have a great range of children's activities ranging from story times for various ages as well as movie nights from time to time.

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.

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.

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.

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.