The City of Melbourne will upgrade its much-loved City Library – creating a modern, welcoming space for Melburnians and visitors to borrow books, access technology, and come together to share ideas.
The branch on Flinders Lane is one of Council’s most popular community facilities, tallying more than 255,000 visits from city workers, students and residents last year.
The ground floor will be revitalised, making it quick and easy to browse books and other items with the help of library staff. The first floor will be fitted out to provide spaces for the community to come together for meetings, study and co-working.
Visitors to City Library will be able to:
- Explore and borrow from the curated collection
- Access computers, Wi-Fi and digital support
- Enjoy the space for reading, relaxation and learning
- Book spaces for collaboration.
City Library will continue to be an accessible and welcoming space for all Melburnians – including vulnerable and marginalised people, those at risk of or experiencing homelessness or family violence, and anyone looking for respite.
Renovations are expected to begin in January, with the facility to be closed for about four weeks. Council will work closely with library users, residents and businesses to minimise disruption and ensure continued access to services.
The revamped space will complement the new narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services – which will become Council’s flagship branch when it opens in the Queen Victoria Market precinct on Saturday 25 November.
The state-of-the-art facility will feature a three-level library, a dedicated children’s library, family services, a creative makers’ space, podcast and audio recording studios, and spaces for communal study, meetings and events.
For more information on Council’s library services, visit City of Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Libraries are an integral part of our city – bringing people together to learn and share ideas, while improving access to information and supporting community wellbeing.”
“Through revamping the much-loved City Library, we’re responding directly to the needs of library users, who tell us they want more spaces available for community meetings, study and co-working.”
“This refreshed offering will still support the many city workers and students who love to pop in on their lunch break or as part of their commute to browse the diverse collection or speak with our fantastic library staff.”
“City Library is an important part of our expansive library network, and we are proud to be delivering this project for our community.”
Quotes attributable to Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Councillor Jamal Hakim
“Libraries are an important community asset and the most accessible safe space for every member of Melbourne’s diverse community, including students, residents, office workers and visitors.”
“City Library has worked hard for Melbourne, and we’re excited to give this popular branch a well-deserved update – featuring a range of bookable spaces for study, co-working and community meetings.”
“The update follows extensive engagement to understand how our community uses our libraries today, and what they want for the future – and will ensure City Library can continue to deliver for our community as we build for the future.”