Been to a library lately?
These days, free books are only one reason to visit Melbourne’s best libraries. By Meg Crawford
01 LIBRARY AT THE DOCK
This new library with waterfront views boasts 200,000 books on shelf, daily newspapers and hundreds of magazines, as well as massive DVD, CD and ebook collections. It’s a community hub with state-of-the-art facilities including a gallery, pro-editing suites, a recording studio, practice rooms and community spaces that can be booked for meetings. Check the website for free workshops, events and lunchtime concerts. 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands 3008. 03 9658 9998. www. melbourne.vic.gov.au. Mon-fri 8am-7pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm.
02 LAW LIBRARY OF VICTORIA
In the heart of William Street’s legal district is a library so beautiful it’s worth a squiz, even though you can’t borrow as a member of the public. Arcane law volumes line the walls and junior solicitors scale wooden ladders to retrieve them. 210 William St, Melbourne 3000. 03 9603 6282. lawlibrary.vic.gov.au. Mon-thu 8.30am-6pm; Fri 8.30am-5pm.
03 STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA
Step into the La Trobe Reading Room, the most extravagant room in the State Library of Victoria. Daily free tours will show you the library’s hidden reaches like the Queen’s Hall, a grand old reading room ordinarily closed off to the public. 328 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. 03 8664 7000. www.slv.vic.gov.au. Mon-thu 10am-9pm; Fri-sun 10am-6pm.
04 KATHLEEN SYME LIBRARY
The 139-year-old Kathleen Syme building is home to an Oculus Rift – a piece of VR technology that’s been programmed to enable participants to experience snow falling in a forest. Thanks to a multi-million dollar refurb, the library is also an excellent workspace with great internet access, plentiful desks, private meeting rooms, free Wi-fi and fab coffee from the Wild Timor Coffee Co. 251 Faraday St, Carlton 3053. 03 9658 7310. www.melbourne. vic.gov.au. Mon-thu 10am-7pm; Fri 10am6pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm.