They have clean toilets. Lockers. Free wifi. Comfy couches and sitting nooks with plug areas for…read morelaptops and all your other gadgets. And they have books. Granted, it's a library that doesn't stock Terry Prachett (or maybe there wasn't any on the shelves, let's go with that shall we instead of my poor broken heart!) - and a library without Terry Prachett, to be honest, is no library to me. On the plus side, they have a huge area for children's books and entertainment. On the other side of the library is a place for adults. It's hushed tones and book peace was soul soothing. The way the adult area is set out is that they have the shelves with books in a U shape with the tables in the centre with power points and couches around the outside with small tables. Half of the U is dedicated to Fiction. The other half to Biology, Travel, Self Help, etc. The difference in this library is that they don't have different areas for different genres of books. And to be honest, I was expecting more books than what was on the shelf. Instead they have a fiction area that runs from A-Z and then they have wee stickers on the bottom of the spines of books to let you know if it's fantasy (dragon), romance (love heart), hot romance (love heart with horns), comedy (smiley face), family (family of 4 sticker), crime (Sherlock Holmes style hat and magnifier), horror (horror written in blood dripping writing) and more. And they don't mind you grabbing a book and kicking your shoes off to snuggle up in a couch to read a book you never thought you'd read in your life.

They have a good selection of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, and they can get books that are not…read morecurrently available at West Ryde from the other Ryde libraries for you if you reserve them online. You can also extend your loans online, provided there are no reservations for the item. There are plenty of desks with power points and LAN outlets to allow you to plug in your laptop and do your work. There is also free wifi available but there is a limit of 500mb and I've found the speed to be slow, slower than my 4g connection on my mobile. There is a section for kids on one side of the library. They also have a volunteer JP service, not too sure of the date though, but this information can be easily found on their website. Patrons here are generally quiet though some talk on their phone.

Gladesville Library is one of the "satellite" libraries of the Ryde Library Service and it is a…read moregreat and convenient library adjacent to the Gladesville Victoria Road commercial strip. Staff are always helpful, borrowing is breeze with an automated machine and there is always a good range of books and research materials as well as computers, magazines and a decent children's section. But best of all are the online services this library network offers. Firstly, you can log from home (or anywhere) and search the catalog and order any book in the collection and have is delivered to one of the satellite libraries for free. You will go in a queue if it's a popular book. Extending the loan can also be done on-line. Secondly, the library offers Zinio (a world-wide service) where you can download the latest editions of popular Australia and and International magazines on to you iPad, computer or e-book reader and it's free! Will never have to buy Australian Gourmet again! Thirdly is the e-book collection that can also be downloaded on iPads, etc using the Overdrive app on your iPad. Although it's one of the smaller of the Ryde libraries it is a true local gem for bookworms!

Strathfield library at Homebush is a new architecturally designed building with glass windows and…read morehigh ceilings. Strathfield being an old suburb, I didn't expect the library to be modern. Clearly the council has recognised libraries being an important part of culture and have upgraded the place to the latest standards. The collection is quite extensive. They offer books, audiobooks (my favourite to take on long drives) movie dvd's, magazines, newspapers, and so much more. They offer books in other foreign languages too, to cater to the growing asian population in Sydney. Justice of Peace (JP) services are also offered in the library on wednesdays. The library offers various community incentives to use and take home. They provided a Car Accident Checksheet long back and more recently are offering a Home Power usage metre to borrow.

A bookworm could easily find a book or two to burrow into here. Space for studious students and…read morerooms for discussion groups, shelves full of books in all sizes. There is a great number of large print books and audiobooks. I love that new modern libraries have got on the technological band wagon and have ebooks and eAudiobooks and even emagazines. The staff are ready to help and train the non technologically minded. There are numerous leaflets on the resources available for the library. This library really extends itself within the community. Lane Cove Library delivers books, DVDs, audiobooks etc to people who are disabled, or frail and live in the area. There is not a problem in organising this service. The library is located in the middle of the village of Lane Cove. A short arcade of shops is alongside the library. So have a bite to eat before a relaxing time in the library. There is very easy access to people who have mobility issues. And....the library is quiet!

Huge library with lots of study desks basking in natural light around the perimeter. Find free two…read morehour public parking in the side street adjacent to the library. There is a secret garden behind, the historical society and a youth centre within the same building. The free unwired internet is great for laptop users. There is a Justice of the Peace service at Gordon Library, with JPs available on the first Tuesday of every month from 10am-1pm. They are also available in the library meeting room on alternate Thursdays from 11am-12pm.

Located on the Pacific Highway in Gordan, the library attracts many HSC students studying for their…read morefinal exams. Most of the time, every table and chair is taken. Unless you get there earlier in the morning you will have to wait for a desk to become available. While the library isn't the biggest in terms of space and amount of books, it's still pretty decent for a local library. A major plus is the free wireless internet. I would often bring my laptop to Gordan library while studying for my university exams. There are computers available if you forgot your laptop or don't have a computer and are free of charge- you just need to sign in when you get there. Book drop points are located outside the library which are open when the remainder of the library is closed. There is plenty of parking at the back of Gordan shops, otherwise the train station is close by.