I love lending libraries, particularly since one person pointed out that it is one of the very few…read moreplaces left in the world where we are not expected to spend money. They do have a decent selection of books, though of course, all the ones that I am looking for don't happen to be available. The other thing is that they have a decent-sized DVD collection, and not surprisingly a selection of comic books, including ones that aren't your typical superhero comics (though they have a fair few there as well). Sure, the wifi may be slow, but that usually has something to do with the number of people using it at the same time. Oh, and they have a coffee shop at the entrance.

This is one of the hidden gems that makes Melbourne CBD a bit of a special place for locals…read more What other library has a kick arse cafe downstairs, excellent bars and restaurants outside, fab new decor and an interior replete with dozens of nooks and niches for reading pleasure? Fuck all, that's how many. This place lends books (and they have a great selection for their size) but is just a relaxing place to kill an hour if you're in the city and don't feel like getting pissed yet. Alternatively, if you've had a couple and don't want to get your buzz on too much, it's a great place to curl up with a book, newspaper or magazine and just pass a bit of time. They also show art here and the gallery space is pretty rad. Plus, they have a craft market here from time to time, and it's proved the perfect buying ground for birthday pressies and make-up treats. Zing!

I've never seen a library so kick ass. Of course, they have bountiful books. But in addition, they…read morehave a coffee bar inside complete with food, private booths to watch movies, game stations for kids to play, and the usual computers and free internet access. They also have the council located inside if you have questions about the area. However the only drawback is the Wi-Fi is very slow if you're using council Wi-Fi, and entry to the classes are extremely strict. I wanted to take a resume class, but they would not let me in on account of my age. :/ Otherwise, I am very please with what the city of Melbourne has done to turn this library into a community gathering spot, where various films and sports games are screened. The outside TV fosters community and togetherness. Every city should have a library like this one.

After a years absence I returned to this library on the weekend and I was shocked! They managed to…read moreredesign it in the image of my perfect library. Thanks guys. Eltham Library suits the bush setting it is located in. Lots of wood and curving verandas on the outside and a huge cavernous space yet also intimate inside. The complex is also home to a cafe and gallery space so if you need a study break you can grab a coffee or some inspiration. The futuristic returns machine greets you as you head in. It takes getting used to but is a novelty for now. Then there is the fantastic magazine area complete with tables and a fire! The large and slightly segregated children's area flows out to a courtyard space with an arty vibe and great for warmer weather. The large teen space is where you should head to play the Wii or like, chillax. There are plenty of public computers and if you head up to the mezzanine their is a quiet study area which is a great place to head with your laptop, or overlook Shillinglaw Cottage down the back of the main level. As part of Yarra Plenty Library they have a great range of books, magazines and audio visual items and they do a fantastic events program that reflects the artistic community. The staff are fabulous and friendly so head in and say hello!

Next to The Centre Ivanhoe is a large three story 1960's style building, home to the Ivanhoe…read moreLibrary. As part of the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service Ivanhoe Library has an amazing range of books, DVDs, cds and magazines. Ivanhoe Library hosts a wide range of events and has all the services you expect from your local library plus all the extras that are available at a YPRL branch. The ground floor is home to the information desk while the first floor has a Wii room and Genealogy area, the top floor is a space for events and study. From the third floor the view of Melbourne's CBD is stunning, a total distraction from your study. Free wifi and CBD views. What more could you want? On a balmy summers evening my favourite way to take a study break is grabbing an ice cream from Cosi Duci and spend time catching up with friends at the courtyard outside the library. It may not be the most modern building or innovative space, but as far as a traditional library atmosphere, Ivanhoe has it!

This library is situated right next to the Mt Waverley Train station, making it extremely…read moreaccessible and easy to get to. I enjoy coming to this library, there is a good selection of books on offer- and they are usually where they're supposed to be. This library is has a relatively open plan layout in comparison to other libraries I've been to. The study area is visible from the second you walk inside, desks are placed side by side to maximize space and private study rooms may be booked (2 people per room). There are a few computers here that can also be booked, but these tend to get pretty busy during afterschool hours. This is a simple library that is quiet most of the time, I tend to avoid 3:30-5:00pm as there are usually kids who run about making loud noises. Overall this is a good simple library, nothing extravagantly good or bad about the place. Just your basic local library.

Mount Waverley Library has updated a little in the last 10 years. A coat of paint, newer computers,…read moreand leather-look seats. Very nice. The library is small, but often full of people coming in to read the paper, use the computers, or even just relax on their lunch break. It's very friendly and peaceful, far more so, I think, than it's partner Glen Waverley. This is the one to go for for the children's section. The junior books section (ranging from learning to read to teenage novels) takes up half the library. Mount Waverley also boasts a very good audiobook section for those of you who like to "read" while driving.

I used to come here back when I was still studying, and I must say-I don't like the place. Not one…read morebit. It's full of teens, hanging out and making loud annoying conversation. I don't understand why they come to the library (a place of peace and knowledge), to socialize- I suppose because it's free. Annoying teenyboppers aside, the library itself is decent sized. There is a section for children, holding a good variety of children's books and activities. There are magazines and newspapers available here, and you are able to borrow from a range of fiction, non fiction, CDs and audiobooks. This library has a silent study area (which isn't always silent), and a few silent study rooms (max 2 people). There are also computers and printers/photocopiers available at this library. Computers may need to be booked, they are usually taken up by kids playing online games. I like libraries; I like the idea of a quite study space and borrowing books. But this one? I'd rather stay at home.

The Glen Waverley library, located on Coleman Pde is a decent sized library with a big selection of…read morefiction, non-fiction, magazines, DVDs. I have been here many a time looking for resources for my uni assignments (studying online at a uni in another state makes it difficult to borrow from the uni library!). I have always found a good array of books on whatever subject I am after. are also plenty of tables and desks for reading and studying. The staff are helpful for anyone having trouble navigating the book search. The set up is great and easy to follow. I don't feel like I have stepped into a maze when tying to find the call number of a book. The library also has computers for internet use, photocopiers, scanners, and a great little children's section for keeping the little ones occupied.

Opposite the Watsonia Shopping precinct lies a hidden gem in wait. An unsuspecting building that…read morelocals pass on the way down to Watsonia Train Station. What lies within? You guessed it (or maybe the review title gave it away) it is the Watsonia Library! This modern and spacious library is the perfect antidote to musty old libraries of the past. This public space has free computer use, free wifi, free events, free borrowing. Just bring some ID with your current address and you have the facilities of 8 Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries at your fingertips. Awesome yes? Watsonia has space to relax, study or read in. The young adult area has funky seats, magazines, books, graphic novels and DVDs. The aisles a wide enough to comfortably browse the fiction, non-fiction and large print collections. They also have an outdoor reading area for those sunny days where being outside is the only option. The library has lots of places to enjoy the events program or to read a magazine and a room that is available for hire. Just ask the staff at the desk. The self check out system is fast and easy to use, and the friendly staff here are happy to show you how to use it and answer any questions you have. Wastonia Library is modern, spacious and innovative. If you like you libraries musty and old school then head elsewhere!

This library is part of Yarra Plenty Regional Library which means once you join you will have…read moreaccess to 8 libraries worth of cataloge! Yes, get excited! You will have access to all the free events the library likes to organize which is also an awesome reason to join up. Thomastown is a much smaller and quieter sister library to nearby Lalor, so if you want a bit of shhhh head on over. Thomastown also have a computer lab which means your more likely to get a turn on the public computers. The staff are great and happy to help you with any questions from where is the nearest bottle-shop to what is the meaning of quantum physics. Give this place a miss on weekends. For one, its only open for three hours on Saturday and secondly the car park and surrounding area will be buzzing with Saturday sport activities. Lots of parking and a location next to the new Thomastown Leisure Centre makes it a handy place to stop of to satisfy your library craving.