The best libraries in Sydney

This Willy Wonka of libraries could convert even the most ardent library sceptic. The three-level space is bursting with greenery, from the vertical plant wall to the hanging vines that cascade from above; giving the feeling of being in the midst of an indoor garden. The children’s area is ripe for fostering growing imaginations, with arts and crafts, cushioned wall crevices and even a slippery slide. The clever design continues on the second level with the wide staircase doubling as an amphitheatre. Head upstairs again, and you’ll find meeting rooms and private booths as well as an impressive local history collection. Did we mention there’s a fireplace? You may not ever want to leave.

Time Out tip: If you need to cool off after flexing your brain cells, head to nearby Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf) for a few head-clearing laps

We can be happy underground. That’s certainly true when visiting the subterranean Green Square Library. From the street level, the skyline is reflected on glass blocks that make up the exterior of the building. Step inside, and you’ll find the library’s collection under street level. The main space is conceived as a living room, complete with a kids' corner and pint-size nooks built into the walls for children to crawl into with a book. In the middle of the collection space is a sunken garden; the perfect place to sit and read under the sun. Rising from the other end of the library is a six-level glass tower, which houses a music room, replete with a baby grand piano.

The grand old dame of libraries, the State Library is the oldest in the country – stepping inside you can almost feel the weight of all the words that have been read between its walls. The first floor houses rotating exhibitions, including 'Shakespeare in Print'. Below street level lies the reference collection and partitioned study rooms. The studious, and those seeking respite from the bustle of the outside world, can ensconce themselves in the high-domed, light-filled Mitchell Reading Room. The John B Fairfax Learning Centre is designed to redress the idea that kids should, at best, be seen but not heard in public libraries. Role play and dress ups are encouraged to draw children into stories – never fear though, the room is soundproof.

Time Out tip: If you fancy a beer and a three cheese toastie mid-study, head upstairs to the rooftop bar

Did you know there's a City of Sydney library – a hub for learning, innovation and creativity – spanning two floors of the Exchange, a six-storey building designed by globally acclaimed architecture firm Kengo Kuma Architects. The building has a spiral bird’s nest shape, built from 23 kilometres of sustainably sourced timber panels that curve around the outside. Darling Square Library houses 30,000 items, from newspapers to an Asian literature collection. It has free WiFi, study spaces and an Ideas Lab, where start-ups can access a program of workshops, seminars and events.

You could read at home, or you could read inside an award-winning, architecturally designed building that makes quiet time a joy. If you choose the latter, head to Marrickville library and join the 2000 people per day that visit: be it for the rhyme time that packs out the ground floor children’s section; for the historic art collection that they brought out of the closed stack into the dedicated art floor; or to peruse the impressive collection of international and domestic periodicals, from high fashion mags to special interest publications on everything from politics to organic gardening. 

Time Out tip: Need fuel? Marrickville is home to arguably Sydney's most widely-loved pork rolls

This swish six-level venue houses more than 85,000 items that are spread across two kilometres of shelving, making it one of the largest libraries in NSW. Yellamundie (the Story Teller) Civic Place Library and Art Gallery officially opened its doors on December 3, 2023, as the crown jewel of Liverpool’s $600m Civic Place.

Alongside public computers and row upon row of books covering every genre imaginable, you can expect to find an entire floor dedicated to children and youth, a sunken courtyard garden, group study rooms, a heritage research room, and many cosy and quiet places to read, study and work. Perhaps the best part is Yellamundie’s Create Space studio which will host STEM and creative programs covering everything from 3D printing and coding to robotics and podcasting.

Time Out tip: If you need a break from the books, then head downstairs to the Yellamundie Art Gallery where you can admire three exhibitions from revolving Australian artists.

This heritage listed building mixes beautiful design with contemporary comforts and is the perfect place for a pitstop or to while away the hours in the company of a good book. A helix staircase connects the three levels, with light pouring in through the atrium above. The Grand Reading Room is just that, bookshelves line the walls and light from the harbour-facing windows reaches to banquette style study tables. There’s an extensive range of Japanese and Korean texts available as well as music scores. 

Time Out tip: Want to let off steam after your study session? The Caterpillar Club is just a short walk away for a post-study Pina Colada

On any given day you’ll find a mixed bag of patrons at the Ultimo Library, from retirees fresh from a Zumba workout at the community centre below to students and parents with little ones to tow. Reflecting the diverse community coming through its doors, the library is home to Chinese language texts and newspapers and hosts bilingual story time sessions in English and Mandarin. For the older kids, there’s a sizable young-adult collection and for the adults, there’s regular skills workshops.

The first two levels of Parramatta's revamped new civic building are home to a pretty swanky and futuristic library. The design for the whole building, called the PHIVE, comes from French firm Manuelle Gautrand Architecture and Australian firms DesignInc and Lacoste + Stevenson, and it shows six-storeys of amenities including a public library, roof garden and technology hub. The library looks out over Parramatta Square for a nice distraction from your study and there's a cafe just downstairs to satisfy your caffeine cravings. 

Time Out tip: If you've got time to stop for dinner, you won't regret it – Parramatta is home to some excellent eateries