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.

St Peters library is part of the Eastern suburbs SWAP program where a number of libraries share a…read moredatabase, and out of all of them this would be the prettiest. Housed in a historical building on the shady streets of St Peters, this library has a huge kids section, with couches, computers, toys, and a great selection of fiction and non fiction. St Peters would definitely be one of the best libraries to study and read, as they have large wooden tables at the front window and the place is pretty quiet because the kids are in a separate area. It always amazes me how much noise some kids are allowed to make in libraries by their parents, but here you don't notice them so much. Staff aren't super friendly, but luckily there are online databases which require zero human interaction. Isn't technology a blessing?

Gone are the days where libraries were like stepping into a black hole of silence and study…read more Today's libraries are all about community and activity and the City Library is a great example. For the parents, it's a great stop off for the kids. There's a good, open kids book section complete with mini kid-sized cushions for you to awkwardly try to sit on as you read to your kids. Need a bit of quiet time? Have no fear there's free wifi here too if you need to check those footy scores while the kids explore the rest of what the library has to offer. - but why let them have all the fun? In the Innovation Lab, there are 3D printers to check out, a 3Doodler (a pen that writes vertically...) to play with and not to mention, there are a few books there too. Centrally located, the new Adelaide City Library sits right at the heart of Adelaide City in the new Rundle Place complex, overlooking the hustle and bustle of Rundle Mall. The entrance to the City Library is tucked down a lane way (Francis Street) and up 6 flights of stairs (or Level 3 via the lift). You can also enter via the Rundle Place car park lifts where it's actually on Level 6. Quirky nuances but all part of the adventure... It has everything you'd expect from a modern library - plenty of computers, reading spaces, books, media and even a very nice outdoor reading area. But this library is more than a place to go find a good book, it's a community hub that's bursting with potential. The whole library has the feel of a flexible, modular space with a number of studios and labs available to be used by community groups for everything from computer game development to art exhibitions. As well as the studios, there are also a few specialised areas like the Innovation Lab with those cool 3D toys. The Digital Hub also has a suite of computers and the library offers regular free training from the basics like how to use an iPad to using social media for your business. For the history buffs, the History Hub serves as your go-to place for a look back in time. Finally, for the parents with small kids, there is a very clean Parents Room in the a Rundle Place food court. To get there, head out the 'back' entrance of the Library towards the carpark and head down the lifts to the lower ground level and follow the signs. Coles is also there if you forgot to bring snacks and the food court has a decent number of lunch options. Go check out what a community library in the city is all about.

Back in my day, a visit to my local Norwood library was an adventure. I would get so excited about…read morethe range of books, magazines, videos and cassette tapes I could borrow that I'd often go over the borrowing limit and have to make the tough call at the front desk of which ones I'd leave behind. Today it seems libraries have upped the anti of "free stuff" you can borrow and services you can use. The City Library is a hub of free internet, books, mags, DVDs and of course a place for you to design your own 3D toy... hang on what? You can print in 3D now? Well take me Back to the Future and call me Marty - the City Library is full of new technologies even I don't know how to use. However, even tech dinosaurs like me can still learn how to produce music or a stop motion lego movie in their production studio or even design and produce a 3D toy in their Fab Lab. Check out their free community activity schedule for all the times and details. To be honest I've never actually come here to borrow books, but instead I've made use of the free high-speed internet and quiet space for working when I have a break during a day of meetings. I'm also keen to try their meeting rooms and digital hub training space for seminars as well as access their database from the SA archives (history nerd alert). This modern library is a great community centre and space rising high above the Mall and provides a little peace away from the busy shoppers.

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.

An amazing study haven. Barr Smith Library is the perfect place to prep for exams or to grab an…read moreimportant resource. There are heaps of facilities available including quite a few computers. The desks are usually rather spacious (particularly the ones on level 2 near the Western side of the building). One small complaint is that during peak times, it can be difficult to find a table but the library is being expanded so that may not be the case in the future. The reading room is a really nice place to study however it does get quite cold in winter so you may need to bring a jacket in order to keep warm. Elsewhere though, the library is quite well controlled temperature-wise.

Although I study at UniSA, I still come over to the Barr Smith to borrow books and study fairly…read moreoften. Over the past few years the library has been updated quite a bit, but what really attracts me to this library is its extensive range of fiction (no way I'm going all the way out to Magill) and the oh-so-quiet Barr Smith Reading Room. If you study at one of the other universities you can borrow here for free - you just need to go up to the counter to get your books instead of using self-service. Be careful with overdue fines though - it's harder to renew your loan online. The Barr Smith Reading Room is a big fancy, gilded reading room built in the twenties with old fashioned study desks that are a little too short for the contemporary man or woman. The room's construction was funded by its uber-rich namesake, Tom Elder Barr Smith. There are a whole bunch of giant inscriptions with his name and some fancy old portraits of him and his chums too. While the impressive classical Renaissance design is a drawcard the real winner here is how quiet it is. Something about the incredibly high ceiling and the palatial arches makes people shut up. This is where people come to actually study, not just to do 'group assignments'. Your knees will be up around your chin but this is a nice place to study if you can't concentrate at home. UniSA certainly doesn't have anywhere to match it.

It appears that shrouding an institution in mystery and secrecy doesn't do well for long term…read moregrowth membership numbers. Go figure. Fortunately, Freemasons have wised up to the desire of the general public to know what the hell goes on in this archaic, looming fortress and have decided to open their doors for free tours throughout the year on Thursdays at 2pm and regularly during the About Time History festival in May. As my Mum and I entered the main doors of North Tce were like excited school kids sneaking into the art supplies room at school, knowing perfectly well we shouldn't be in there but that the goodies inside were too tempting not too. The tour was a good 2 hours and there was plenty to see on each of the 4 or so levels of the building. Highlights included getting to check out historical SA artifacts and photographs of original SA explorers who were funded by the Freemasons back in the early 1900s, visiting their meeting rooms (and now public function venues) and getting to sit inside the "club rooms" and try to understand this club/cult/religion in more detail. It was a fascinating experience, the volunteer guide didn't try to sell us a membership at the end (yes women can now join too) and a great day out for all those architecture and history buffs out there!

This Grand Hall is both a mystery and a marvel; but it isn't so much of a mystery, you can actually…read moreget a free tour around it and there are many functions held here that are open to the public. I have attended several Adelaide Fringe shows in various parts of the hall so I've seen the best part of it at different times. I say it is a mystery more because The Freemasons are a bit mysterious, and always have been. They are about high moral standards and strong community, but not really about church religion, and that's about as much as I can relate off the top of my head. The Grand Lodge however is all about spectacular architecture and panoramic spreads of amazing stone work. Get up close and check it out in a free guided tour any Thursday at 2pm. It is open the rest of the time usual business hours, but you will not get far if you decide to go wandering about. One pride and joy of the Hall is its large organ that has been part of the building since the mid 1950's. It is a grand piece of work in its own right, and according to the history of the place which goes back to the 1800's many organists were Freemasons, and so it stands to reason they would want to be able to build a great organ in their own hall. I fondly suggest you take the tour and check the building out. There's a shift in the leadership in early 2012, so there will be some public ceremonies that all are welcome to attend. Go to the website and take a closer look if you are interested.

This is the official library of the Australian state of South Australia from 1834. It's the…read morelargest public research library in the state, focused on South Australian information. The Mortlock Wing was opened in1884 as a "Public Library, Museum & Art Gallery for the colony of South Australia" with 23,000 books and 3 on staff. The Mortlock Wing is now an exhibition space regarding the history & culture of South Australia. This Wing has been featured in a list of the top 20 most beautiful libraries of the world.

The entrance was unassuming, with run down carpet, but beautiful carved wood railings on the…read morestairs. There was a roped off room that had some old books, but the true treasure is the Mortlock Wing, which we found after wandering a bit more. It was like stepping into the world of Harry Potter is the best way I can describe it. The ground floor housed a lot of ephemeria, about past shows, movies, and festivals. Upstairs were where the thousands of old books were. Many people were reading quietly at the different tables, but there were a few tourists (hi, it's me) snapping pictures as unobtrusively as possible. As we left the Mortlock wing and kept going, we got to a jarringly modern section of the library, almost museum-like. The current exhibit showcased menus collected from all the way in the 1800s. Absolutely fascinating to read what was in style back then, and how much it cost. This is a great free stop for about an hour of your time, or even the whole day if you want to take advantage of the quiet and serenity for some reading or work. I will say this is not as large as State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, which housed a lot more exhibits and has an impressive dome, but I actually enjoyed this more.