TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amidst the city’s beautiful beaches and iconic landmarks, there’s a deep appreciation for literacy in Sydney. From the historic State Library of NSW to the futuristic Green Square Library, it’s unsurprising that many of the best libraries in Sydney stand as havens of inclusivity, inspiration, and modernity.
To help you narrow down the city’s impressive selection, here are the seven best libraries in Sydney you must visit, as highlighted by TripAdvisor and TimeOut.
List of the Best Libraries in Sydney
1. State Library of New South Wales
The State Library of New South Wales is quite simply the best library in Sydney. Its status as Australia’s oldest library speaks volumes about its experience in catering to the needs of avid readers and visitors.
Not only does it house a collection of more than six million items, the State Library of New South Wales also offers world-class facilities. These include galleries, cultural programmes and learning programmes, as well as the well-known Shakespeare Room and the Mitchell Library Reading Room.
While the former is best known for housing the First Folios of the epic writer, the latter welcomes anyone seeking a place to read with plenty of natural light. And whenever the time calls for a coffee break, the library's very own cafe, open seven days a week, has you covered.
2. Green Square Library
A single step into the glass block building of Green Space Library quickly reveals how it embraces an out-of-the-box concept at its finest. Uniquely constructed underground, this award-winning library caters to every visitor thanks to its well-rounded spaces.
While the little ones explore the dedicated children's area, the rest of the visitors are welcome to relax in the large open spaces, study at the desks or read in the reading room. Even more remarkably, Green Square Library elevates the traditional library experience by offering not only books, but also newspapers, magazines, music, toys, and even films.
3. Woollahra Library
Expect to find yourself flourishing in inspiration as you surround yourself with Woollahra Library’s bountiful greenery and creative design. Deemed one of the best libraries in Sydney, this Double Bay-based library’s facade proves to be more than a place to read, but also an engaging community hub.
Spread over three levels, Woollahra Library houses a play area, a study centre, a workspace, a meeting point and an events venue. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to promote learning beyond books, but also digital and social interaction.
4. Paddington Library
Opened in 1892, Paddington Library has surely witnessed ages of whispered words, quiet reads, and the soft sounds of paper flipping. While it may be far from rivaling the grand facilities and vast size of libraries like the State Library of New South Wales, the smaller, local branch charm it radiates brings a more authentic feeling of belonging to a close-knit community. Simply picture yourself framed by shelves, light, and the quiet comfort of books waiting to be found.
5. Marrickville Library and Pavilion
Another award-winning marvel, Marrickville Library and Pavilion, rightfully stands as one of the best libraries in Sydney. Nestled in the heart of the Inner West, the library’s generous layout invites over 2,000 visitors per day drawn to its ever-diverse collections of books.
Even for those seeking a conducive place to study or work, this increasingly popular spot may make you lose track of time. To complete the experience, a street-level café adds yet another inviting touch to the lively atmosphere.
6. Yellamundie Civic Place Library and Art Gallery
Introduced in late 2023, the Yellamundie Civic Place Library and Art Gallery has quickly captured the hearts of avid readers in south-west Sydney’s Liverpool. Beautifully designed with sustainability and openness in mind, this welcoming six-storey building houses more than 85,000 items securely within its modern space.
Beyond its impressive two kilometers of shelving, Yellamundie offers an array of facilities, some of which you might never expect from a library. Highlights include dedicated children’s learning areas, technology hubs supporting STEM and robotics education, and creative studios equipped for video production and podcasting.
7. The Exchange Darling Square
Rounding out the list, it’s comforting to know that the Exchange at Darling Square serves as the home of the state-of-the-art City of Sydney Library. Spanning levels one and two, this vibrant space feels more like a social hub than a silent sanctuary of books, despite housing 30,000 items.
Alongside its free Wi-Fi, the public computers and ample study areas invite visitors to linger, connect, and collaborate. The result? Invaluable exchanges with everyone from curious learners to creative thinkers. Time your visit with one of the library’s talks or workshops, and you might find even more inspiration waiting between conversations.
Whether you’re a bookworm or simply someone seeking a quiet moment of peace, each of these best libraries in Sydney is nothing short of inspiring. Whenever you step inside, you’ll find stories on the shelves, in the people, as well as in the atmosphere itself. Even outside the continent, you might also find yourself drawn to Indonesia’s very own share of remarkable reading spots at the best libraries in Jakarta.
Editor’s Choice: 5 Best Library Date Spots in Jakarta
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
