Child-Friendly Libraries You Can Enjoy All-Year Round

Whether it’s rain, hail or shine, you’re sure to find a good book, a cosy nook, possibly even some play equipment that will keep your little ones entertained at one of these local libraries.

📚 Green Square Library

An underground library bathed in natural light? Emerging as something of architectural marvel thanks to it’s Louvre-like exterior, Green Square Library boasts large open spaces, light filled areas, generous study desks and a fabulous kid’s area with ample reading nooks perfect for wee readers. And yes it’s underground. There are family friendly events like Storytime for 3-5 year olds, a musical instrument collection and hireable spaces – including a room with a baby grand piano suitably called The Music Room. For kids who love STEM, there’s also Makerspace Kits available for 3-week loans including robotic and electronic kits.

More info: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/libraries/green-square-library

John reading to kids in the Children’s Library, image courtesy of the State Library of NSW

📚 State Library of New South Wales – Children’s Library

For a touch of history thrown in with your reading experience, pop into the State Library of New South Wales. The Children’s Library within this historic institution is a treasure trove for families, featuring a vast collection of children’s books, interactive exhibits, school holiday workshops and more. The ever-changing art installations and gallery also provide an oasis of calm in the middle of Sydney’s bustling CBD. Read our full review of the State Library of NSW here.

More info: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/learning/kids-and-families

📚 Marrickville Library

This is the little local library that could. Once a humble local library, Marrickville Library is now a beacon for how libraries are evolving all over the world. With a sunken, grassy courtyard that invites kids to run around and play, a cafe on the street level where mums can grab a quick coffee or an all-day bite, inviting nooks in the kids section where little ones can turn the pages of their favourite book for hours and an enticing outdoor play area, this is one of our fave libraries – and aren’t we lucky to have it smack bang in the heart of the Inner West! There are events aplenty too – like Story Time sessions for toddlers, sewing bee drop-ins, social Scrabble meet-ups and more. Had your fill of the books? Hit up one of Marrickville or Illawarra Road’s numerous cafes or restaurants for some of the best Vietnamese and Greek food in the Inner West.

More info: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/libraries/library-programs-and-events

📚 Rockdale Library

Featuring a children’s area modelled on an enchanting forest, complete with ‘mossy’ rock cushions for them to lounge on or bounce off, Rockdale Library takes the design hat for one of the most welcoming spaces for little ones. Books are stacked on undulating shelves resembling plump tree trunks, whilst the forest like effect extends to the grass-like carpet and patterned lights (can there be a more inviting space to read?). There are also Toddler Time and Story Time sessions, a youth Dungeons & Dragons Club, and computer stations specially designed for little ones.

More info: https://library.bayside.nsw.gov.au/Montage/Default.aspx

PHIVE at Parramatta (image courtesy of the Daily Telegraph)

📚 PHIVE Parramatta

It feels like there’s always something happening at PHIVE – Parramatta’s new cultural community hub. Spread across five levels, you can pop in one day and find a Messy Sensory Play session for toddlers in progress, a textile workshop for adults in full swing, or even a yoga session in one of the wellness studios. And of course there are books. 65,000 to be exact. And a dedicated children’s space complete with a story time area – note kids are actually allowed to eat in the area so no need to head out for a bite. But if you do head out, there’s also an onsite cafe serving up all-day treats. This dynamic space goes beyond a traditional library and is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

More info: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/phive

Want more? Check out our guide to toy libraries in the Inner West here.

About Author

Francesca Millena

Writer, foodie and ideas-sponge, Francesca grew up in the Inner West and loves writing about all things IW related from playgrounds and podcasts, restaurants and retail, bubble tea and basketball courts. Mum to an active child, she also knows a thing or two about keeping a little one entertained on a rainy day.

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Child-Friendly Libraries You Can Enjoy All-Year Round