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15 Best Libraries in Sydney for Lovers of Literature
By Lucy Stones - Guide Published: , Last Updated:
The best libraries in Sydney are a far cry from the dusty old buildings you may remember from your childhood. The ancient shelves and worn books have been replaced with modern technology, turning the humble library into a place for people to gather, learn and explore the world of literature and creativity. Tranquillity and convenience are at your disposal within many Sydney libraries and what’s more, the institutions have become free sources of entertainment for the whole family. Check out the best libraries Sydney has to offer.
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1. Woollahra Library Double Bay
Three levels of bookish goodness, the Woollahra Library in Double Bay offers more than you’d expect. Vertical plants and hanging vines adorn the library’s walls creating a space of tranquillity that is the perfect spot to take in a book or sit in front of the fireplace in those colder winter months.
Address: 1/451 New S Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2028
Phone: +61 (02) 9391 7100
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8om, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
2. State Library of NSW
If you’re looking for a library in Sydney, why not go to the oldest library in Australia? The State Library of NSW features old materials and manuscripts you won’t find anywhere else and the beautiful Mitchell Library Reading Room with its walls lined in old wooden bookcases.
Address: Corner of Macquarie St and Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 02 9273 1414
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri
3. The Exchange Darling Square
Housed in a spiralling birds nest, The Exchange Darling Square features a new library spread out over two levels. The state of the art library offers free WiFi, public use computers, study spaces, meeting rooms, couches to sit and read and even a dedicated children’s area making it one of the best Sydney Libraries. If all that studying and reading gets your tummy grumbling, check out the restaurant area on the ground level.
Address: The Exchange, levels 1 and 2, 1 Little Pier St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Phone: +61 02 8019 6477
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
4. Customs House
When it comes to the best Sydney Library, Customs House springs to mind. Housed in a beautiful historic building and right at the heart of Circular Quay, this Sydney Library is a pleasure to relax in, meet friends and read or study.
Address: 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 02 9242 8555
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
5. Marrickville Library and Pavillion
If you’re looking for a Sydney Library with modern and spacious design, ample seating areas and a place to enjoy a coffee then check out Marrickville Library and Pavillion. The well-stocked shelves are sure to have your favourites and new releases that you can enjoy in a quiet space.
Address: 313 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: +61 02 9392 5588
Trading Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-7.30pm, Fri 12pm- 7.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Marrickville Library and Pavillion
6. Glebe Library
If you’re in the Glebe area then check out Glebe Library. A beautiful and popular library with free WiFi, self-service computers, rooms for hire and children’s area. You can even take a stroll in the garden and find a nice spot in the sun to read.
Address: 186 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037
Phone: +61 02 7809 7400
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm
7. Green Square
This Sydney library is award-winning and underground! Green Square Library features open and spacious sitting areas for you to read and study in, meeting rooms, computer lab and even a music room for hire. While part of it is underground there’s also a green garden you can sit in and read. Light and airy by design this library will have you perusing for hours.
Address: 355 Botany Rd, Zetland NSW 2017
Phone: +61 02 9288 5010
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
8. Kings Cross Library
If you’re after free WiFi and spacious areas to do your studies or read a book quietly then Kings Cross Library is the perfect spot if you’re in Potts Point. Here you can peruse the books, study on the computers and even take a glimpse at the old archives.
Address: 1/50-52 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone: +61 02 9246 4530
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm
9. Newtown Library
This Sydney library is just off King Street and is a popular spot with students and locals alike. The Newtown Library offers a hefty inventory so take a book upstairs to the amphitheatre which overlooks the whole library, bring the kids for story time, or make use of one of their self-service computers to study.
Address: 8-10 Brown St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: +61 02 8512 4250
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm
10. Pyrmont Link
Collect and return your books by this non-staffed library service at the Pyrmont Community Centre. Pyrmont Link is the perfect option for people on the go who might not have time to peruse bookshelves all day, if you just want to get in and out with your books then this is the best library in Sydney for you.
Address: John St &, Mount St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Phone: +61 02 9242 8555
Trading Hours: Mon 10.30am-2.30pm
11. Surry Hills
Surry Hills Library combines beauty and functionalism as a place for the community. Winning a ton of architectural awards for the design and spanning over two floors the impressive building is the perfect spot to get some work done, study or read a book.
Address: 405 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: +61 02 8374 6230
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm
12. Town Hall Library Express
Perhaps epitomising the modern library, Town Hall Library Express is a small but cosy spot to grab a coffee nearby and peruse the selection of books and magazines for you to borrow. A perfect Sydney Library for those on the go or just passing by.
Address: Level 1 Town Hall House, 456 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: +61 02 9242 8555
Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
13. Ultimo Library
Located on the first level of the Ultimo Community centre is the popular and local favourite, Ultimo Library. If you want a calm and quiet Sydney library with ample spaces to read, study and peruse the large collection of books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and newspapers them Ultimo Library is a perfect choice.
Address: Level 1, Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William Henry St, Ultimo NSW 2007
Phone: +61 02 9298 3110
Trading Hours: Wed-Thur 10.30am-2.30pm
14. Waterloo Library
The beautiful Waterloo Town Hall is a heritage-listed building that has housed the Waterloo Library since 1972. Historical inside and out, take a look at the Koori collection, comprised of over 1,250 fiction and non-fiction items on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander topics.
Address: 770 Elizabeth St, Waterloo NSW 2017
Phone: +61 02 9288 5688
Trading Hours: Wed-Thur 2pm-6pm
15. Parramatta Square (coming soon)
Coming soon is the Parramatta Square library that sounds like it is going to be a fantastic hub for book lovers in Sydney. Set for completion in April 2022, the six-storey building will house not only a state of the art library but also cultural heritage spaces, exhibition areas, cafes, live performance and creative spaces plus more.
Address: Darcy St &, Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Phone: +61 02 9232 3900
Trading Hours: TBA
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General FAQs
When is the Darling Square Library opening?
It’s open to the public now and is open 7 days a week.
Are there any libraries in Sydney's CBD?
There are many libraries scattered throughout Sydney including the State Library of NSW, The Exchange Darling square, Customs House Library and the Town Hall Library Express, all of which are conveniently located in the CBD.
What are the best libraries in Sydney?
Some of the best Sydney Libraries that are consistently highly rated are Customs House Library, Green Square Library, State Library of NSW and Marrickville Library and Pavillon.
