Posted by I had lost faith in the future of libraries until I visited those in Victoria. Back in my home country, fewer people visited libraries because many believed everything they needed was available online. Library spaces had shrunk, and budgets were cut, making them feel less relevant. But my experience in Victoria showed me that libraries can evolve beyond being mere repositories of books. Here, libraries are warm and inviting, with interiors that resemble cozy, aesthetic cafés. They have become vibrant community hubs where people gather to meet, work, study, and connect—redefining what a modern library truly is. Here are the libraries we have visited in Victoria.
Note: For those who’d like to dive deeper into our travels, our book Exploring Around Australia has now been published and is available on Amazon, capturing our journey across the country through personal stories and experiences:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Exploring-Around-Australia-Nathanael-Nunag/dp/B0GDQR28KR
1.) The State Library Victoria
The State Library Victoria, located at 328 Swanston Street in Melbourne, is Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world, established in 1854 . This iconic landmark spans an entire city block and is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the majestic La Trobe Reading Room with its domed ceiling and octagonal design. The library houses over five million items, offering a vast collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, and digital resources. It serves as a vibrant community hub, providing free exhibitions, educational programs, and events for all ages. The recent Vision 2020 redevelopment has enhanced its facilities, creating innovative spaces for children and teenagers, and embracing new technologies to promote digital literacy and creativity . Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the State Library Victoria continues to inspire and engage visitors, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in Melbourne.
2.) Preston Library
Preston Library, situated at 266 Gower Street in the City of Darebin, Victoria, is a modern and welcoming community hub offering a wide range of services and resources. As part of the Darebin Libraries network, it provides free membership and access to an extensive collection of books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers in multiple languages. The library is equipped with wireless internet, public computer access, and printing facilities. It also features meeting room facilities and offers various programs and events for all ages, including early years activities, digital literacy workshops, and community events.
3.) Fitzroy Library
Fitzroy Library, located at 128 Moor Street in Fitzroy, Victoria, is one of Australia’s oldest public libraries, established in 1877. Nestled beneath the Fitzroy Town Hall, it serves as a vibrant community hub offering a diverse range of services and programs. The library boasts a comprehensive local history collection and extensive Chinese and Vietnamese resources, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the area. It provides various facilities, including study spaces, meeting rooms, and access to digital resources. Regular programs such as BabyTime, Storytime, and digital literacy workshops cater to all age groups, fostering learning and community engagement.
4.) Reservoir Library
The Reservoir Library, located at 23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir, Victoria 3073, is a modern and accessible community hub within the City of Darebin. As part of the Darebin Libraries network, it offers a diverse range of services and resources, including free membership, wireless internet, public computer access, and printing facilities. The library is situated within the Reservoir Community and Learning Centre, a vibrant space that also houses the Decibels Recording Studio and provides various health, family, and community services . In addition to its extensive collection of books, eBooks, and audiobooks, the library features meeting and function rooms available for hire, making it a versatile venue for community events and gatherings .
5.) Mill Park Library
Mill Park Library, located at 394 Plenty Road in Mill Park, Victoria, is a contemporary and inclusive community hub within the Yarra Plenty Regional Library network. Opened in 2002, it was the first library in Victoria designed as a hybrid digital/print facility, blending traditional resources with modern technology. The library underwent significant upgrades in 2020–21, enhancing accessibility with gender-neutral restrooms, installing an energy-efficient LED lighting system, and creating a new outdoor deck and garden area. Inside, visitors can enjoy a spacious children’s area, quiet study zones, and a fully equipped training room. The library also features Chancez Café, a social enterprise café operated by Araluen, offering a welcoming space for patrons.
6.) Melbourne Polytechnic Library Epping
The Melbourne Polytechnic Epping Library, located on the Epping campus, is a modern facility designed to support students with a variety of study spaces, including quiet zones and comfortable lounges. It offers extensive digital resources such as eBooks and online databases, along with computers and laptops for research and assignments. Friendly staff are available to assist with using the library and accessing academic support services. Additionally, extended hours computer labs provide added convenience for students needing access outside regular times, making it a well-equipped hub for learning and study.
7.) Eltham Library
8.) Collingwood Library
9.) The Watsonia Library
10.) Fairfield Library
11.) Mernda Library
12.) Lalor Library
13.) Melbourne City Library
14.) Hoppers Crossing Library
15.) Werribee Library
16.) Camberwell Library
17.) Croydon Library
18.) Ashburton Library
19.) Malvern Library
20.) Narrm Ngarrgu Library
21.) Brighton Library
22.) Doncaster Library
23.) Dandenong Library
Visiting these Victorian libraries has truly opened my eyes to how dynamic and community-focused modern libraries can be. Each library we explored offered unique spaces, resources, and programs that go far beyond just books, making them vibrant hubs for learning, creativity, and connection. This experience has renewed my appreciation for libraries and their evolving role in today’s world. I’m excited to continue this journey and discover even more incredible libraries across Victoria soon!