The Brunswick Library is among the spacious and well loved of public libraries in the inner…read morenorthern suburbs. Housed in the old theatre of Brunswick Town Hall, it's got a relatively decent range of books, films and CDs in its collection that are free for anyone who wants to join up to borrow. The loan period errs on the short side for books, and there's a system of late fees for those tardy with returns. Anything out on loan can be booked for the whopping fee of $1.00, and will be held for you for a couple of days. The computers operate under a booking system, and they can be quite strict about this process so as to allow people without access to computers at home or at work to hook into the cyber age. There seems to be a good sized collection of foreign language books etc. to cater for Brunswick's famously multicultural (and multi-linguistic) community. There's also a bafflingly large collection of large print books for anyone who likes reading giant text. Readings and performances aimed at engaging with children's literacy are also held fairly regularly. The online catalogue can be confusing at times, with more specific search terms such as authors and titles often not churning out the desired results despite being present in their collection. Nonetheless, it's easy enough to work out a system around this, such as asking a librarian to do it for you. I find that usually gets you what you were looking for. But like any small library, it has its limitations, and finding more obscure books can be a bit hit and miss.

The big blue monolith that is the Brunswick library, shares it site with the Brunswick Town Hall…read more The library is actually set in the old Town Hall theatre. Once you walk off the street you are met with an art deco foyer that makes you think you might see a film that still has an intermission. The foyer has some toilets that run off it that are spacious and in serious need of renovation - especially to the stink. The interior of the library is spacious. The shelves of books run in loops and lines in the theatre space. Unfortunately the stage isn't used for anything - they should definitely incorporate it, so to with the balcony that runs around the wall, at the moment it's just wasted space. There is a ok selection of books, music and film here. Only a few computers for Internet use - but yes it's still free, and the staff are super friendly. When I started asking about the actual site, they seemed to get excited and 1 went off and printed off a few pages of information for me. I was informed of an upcoming renovation and the large cracks in the walls were pointed out to me. I really hope they incorporate the stage.

It is difficult to know how to rate this library. As Sophie L says, the selection of books is…read morelimited and the interior is nothing to write home about. There is a toilet (good) but it is pretty ordinary (not so good). On the other hand, the staff are great and the children's story time has got to be the best in the world. Yes, I'm serious, the best in the world. Compulsory for all local(ish) parents. Get there early if you want to be anywhere near the book - it is popular.

The Albert Park branch of the Port Phillip Library really isn't anything to write home about…read more The selection of books is pretty limited. The only genre that seems to be well stocked is the teen section, so if you're looking for Sweet Valley High or Goosebumps then you're good to go. Otherwise, not so much. However, there is something quite cozy and cute about this place. So if you want to curl up with a (potentially) good book, go and check it out.

It possible that even locals don't know it's there. You have to search for it to find it, and even…read morethen it's a challenge! Located down a residential street behind the new council redevelopment I shouldn't judge too harshly. After all it is a make shift location until the new library is completed. The Doncaster library makes the most of a pretty dire situation. They are located in something akin to a scout hall or portable classroom. However once you get past that (literally, and are inside) things aren't so bad. There are study desks with power points to take advantage of the free wifi as well as large tables to spread out newspapers and magazines. As part of the Whitehorse-Manningham library system they have a wide collection of books, magazines and audiovisual. they have a children's area, Greek collection and Genealogy section. It may be compact and temporary, but unfortunately I have visited worse libraries. I look forward to visiting the new development. For now Doncaster library 'makes do' with what it can. The staff need something to do, so feel free to go in and ask for help!

The first thing you'll notice when you see the library is the amazing design of the building. Since…read morethe Manningham Council Square was only very recently built, it was a nice modernist look to it. But that's not it though, as the interior also has a striking look. The library takes up the first floor of the building, with these sections: the computers, the magazines, the books, the DVD/CDs, the Wii, the tables and the children's section. There are approximately 12 to 15 computers that runs Windows 8 and have touch-screen monitors, 2 USB ports, a disc drive, a microphone jack and an earphone jack. The magazine section consists of many publications, and even some recent newspapers. Just for the photography genre I counted 3 publications, with each of them having around 15 to 20 issues. In the book section there are a lot of shelves, with 'Young Adults', 'Non-Fiction', 'Fantasy','Travel', 'Architecture' and many other labels attached to them. There's a catalogue computer if you need assistance. There is one shelf of DVDs, and one shelf of CDs. I didn't pay much attention to the CD section, but the DVDs consist of movies, documentaries and tv series (including anime). And yes, there is a Wii! In fact, two of them. They each have one different game disc inserted. To play, you need to borrow a remote from the staff. As for the tables, there are around 5 very long tables, for those who want to bring out their own tablet or laptop to work or play. The children's section: I have never been there, but I do know that there are quite a few children books, and parents often gather there to organise activities. Finally, the books, magazines, DVDs and CDs often get transferred to and fro amongst other Manningham libraries, and you can ask to reserve and/or transfer these for free.

Borrow a book and return it, or pop another in its place. That is the only rule to using this cute…read morelittle free public library, located inside Melbourne Central. It's a cute use of a space too small to fit another retailer in. Obviously you wont find the dewey decimal system in place like a real library, since it's all public donation - although it was very orderly considering. A friend suggested some poor OCD person was probably tidying them up for everyone else. If you have some books collecting dust on your shelf, it's worth popping by to swap it for something fresh if you're passing through.

One of my favourite little hide aways when I am in Melbourne Central and want to have a break from…read morethe hustle and bustle. When browsing the books you never know what you will find to read on the way home on the train from work! But don't forget to return or donate a book or two too. This is a great initiative as I always wonder about the fate of books since the introduction of tablets.

I love this library. I spent countless hours here as a child and I remember arguing with my Mum…read moreabout how many books I could borrow at a time. Ah, those were the days. The selection here is fantastic. Kids have it the best with a big kids section and plenty of chairs and bean bags to chill out on. There are always decorations in this area too. There are computers available for public use as well as a few for looking up that one book you have been trying to find for ages. The staff are very helpful but you often have to wait awhile so the computers are a blessing. I like that the books are mostly in the right places. There are a few libraries in the area where there aren't enough staff so it can get very hard to find things as no one is keeping tabs on naughty people who return them to the wrong places. Beware of keeping a book from here for too long - the fines get really big, really fast. There was a time when I avoided the library for almost a year because I knew I had such a big fine. Luckily for me the system crashed at some point in that year and they lost the fine histories. That sure was a nice surprise the next time I went back. As a library card holder you get a little book bag with Knox Library written on it. It's great for holding all your books so cherish it and wear it with pride!! No seriously, I'm not joking. That bag lasted me years!

Good library. When I was at school, I'd get mum to ditch me at the library so she could do her…read moreshopping and I could get some study done without the distractions that I always used to manage to find at home, no matter how much of an isolation chamber I turned my room into. Then later on, when I was at uni, I used this place a few times because they had the books I needed for assignments that I couldn't get at my campus library simply because there were more students doing those assignments than there were copies of the book available. Since then, I've tended to not go in as much. It's a good library, but there are a couple closer to me. I do still have my library card, though. Sometimes if I"m doing some shopping, I'll go in and borrow a novel or three. Cheaper than buying.

Part of the Whitehorse-Manningham collection of libraries, the Pines library is unique in that it…read moreis located as part of The Pines shopping complex. The magazine area in this branch is fabulous, light filled space with big tables and well spaced magazine displays perfect to wile away hours catching up on the latest fashion and home décor trends. The rest of the library could do with a face lift. The busy space is a little...tired. There is a small children's area to one side and the quiet study area is facilitated by one, yes one power outlet for laptops. The wifi is fast though! There is plenty of parking and a great bus link. A comfortable library and the perfect place to break up your shopping trip!

This tiny library is located behind Bulleen Plaza which makes it a handy location to drop by after…read moreyour shopping. Apart from its convenient location, the space itself is too small for the stock and I'm afraid I am spoiled when it comes to libraries, so I expect space and light and technology. Bulleen falls short in each of these area's. As a member of the Whitehorse-Manningham Library service of which Bulleen is part of, you will have access to a great collection of books, magazines, DVDs and Cd's at no charge. Unless you return your loans late you cheeky devil. So obviously a library service is still a fantastic thing to have access too, however if your want a library to luxuriate in all morning then perhaps head to a larger branch. There are few desks for laptop users and newspaper readers which to me is a downfall. The staff here are friendly and helpful and there is plenty of parking nearby. The library does it's best with the little space it has and it does fit in with the atmosphere at Bulleen Plaza.

I strongly believe the Maribyrnong Library is the best because they have enjoyable books and nice…read morestories. It's also quiet and it's really nice and has all kinds of books . Lastly the staff are really wonderful because they have good service and they help you when you need help. You should definitely visit Maribyrnong Library. Written by FI - aged 8