Melbourne is one of Australia’s oldest cities, but it has never been afraid to explore new ideas. This can be seen in the libraries in Melbourne, which have grown from small collections of books to massive buildings with hundreds of thousands of titles. While these facilities are used by students and scholars alike, anyone who needs information is welcome to visit the city’s libraries. These facilities are spread across the metropolitan area, with some located in inner-city areas and others farther out. Each library offers a different selection of books and resources, but all of them provide a space where residents can study or just relax while they enjoy reading a good book. Read on to find out more about the popular libraries in Melbourne!
Libraries To Visit In Melbourne
City Library
The City Library is located at the Central Library, where you can find a large collection of books, magazines and DVDs. The library also has a cafe and a rooftop garden that overlooks Swanston Street. The library is open seven days a week, with the exception of Christmas Day and Good Friday. The Central Library is located at 620 Swanston Street in the City Centre.
North Melbourne Library
If you’re looking for a library that’s close to the heart of Melbourne, North Melbourne Library is the perfect place. The library has a large collection of books, DVDs and audiobooks, internet access, study rooms, meeting rooms, a cafe and a children’s library. The library is open every day except Christmas Day. The hours are Monday – Thursday 9 am – 9 pm, Friday 9 am – 6 pm and Saturday 10 am – 5 pm. There is also a branch of North Melbourne Library in the City Square Shopping Centre on Spencer Street.
Hawthorn Library
The Hawthorn Library is located in the City of Boroondara, Victoria. The library was established in 1856 and has been operating as a public library since that time. The Hawthorn Library is a member of the Public Library of Victoria (PLV), an association of public libraries throughout Australia.
The PLV supports its member libraries through advocacy work, funding opportunities, information sharing and professional development programmes for staff members working within these institutions.
Ivanhoe Library
Ivanhoe Library is located at the Ivanhoe Town Hall, on High Street. The library is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday (closed on weekends). The library offers an extensive collection of books and ebooks, magazines, videos and music CDs, including many titles in foreign languages; as well as internet access for those who don’t have their own device or don’t have time to visit the library during its hours of operation, printing facilities, photocopying services, interlibrary loans (whereby you can borrow material from other libraries), online resources such as databases that contain articles on various topics related to your research interests.
Western Library
Western Library, located in Footscray, is one of the largest public libraries in Melbourne. It’s also one of the busiest and most popular libraries in Australia. The building has many facilities for study and research, including a large collection of books, CDs and DVDs, computers for public use, meeting rooms, study rooms, and hot desks (which allow you to work from any table).
Conclusion
Libraries also hold special events for children and adults throughout the year – such as storytime sessions for preschoolers, craft workshops for older children, book clubs for adults who enjoy reading fiction or nonfiction titles together over tea or coffee, storytelling sessions that bring history alive through tales told by professional storytellers from around Australia (and sometimes overseas). The libraries in Melbourne are great places to learn more about the city and its history. If you’re looking for something fun to do with your family on a rainy day, consider visiting one of these institutions!
FAQs
1. How many libraries are there in Melbourne?
Six permanent libraries, as well as pop-up libraries, are operated by the City of Melbourne Libraries and are spread out around the municipality in the CBD, Carlton, Docklands, East Melbourne, North Melbourne, and Southbank.
2. What is the largest library in Melbourne?
The State Library of Victoria is the largest and oldest public library in Australia, as well as the most well-known library in Melbourne.
3. Are libraries free in Australia?
Everyone residing in Australia at the time of application is eligible for free membership. Getting a library card will be your first step. No matter whatever Australian city you are studying in, the procedure is straightforward and consistent.
4. Can I study in a library in Melbourne?
Libraries in Melbourne provide a good number of peaceful areas for reading and studying, free daily tours, educational workshops, modern amenities including wifi access and workstations, online access to databases, and a café on the premises.
PS: If there’s anything more you’d like us to know about. Add it to the comments section!
Thank you for reading this blog on ‘A Biliophilies Guide: Popular Libraries in Melbourne’. If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that may be of interest to you –
