Melbourne Library Service is made up of City Library, North Melbourne Library and East Melbourne Library. There is also a reservation collection point and returns drop box at The Hub, Docklands. To see Melbourne Library Service locations click here.
Latest News from Melbourne Library Service
Melbourne Library Service was created in March 2007 to better meet the evolving needs of the communities that live in, study in, work in and visit Australia’s fastest growing capital city. In a very short period of time we introduced seven day a week operations at all three libraries, established a pick-up and drop-off point at the Docklands Hub, introduced a new library catalogue, introduced free wireless access at the libraries and The Hub, introduced additional Internet PCs at all libraries (with more to come) and developed a ten year strategic plan that includes plans for additional libraries.
There is more to come…..a redesign of City Library to increase public space in Victoria’s busiest public lending library, including additional seating, refurbishment of North Melbourne Library (see our news article in our e newsletter), additional enhancements at East Melbourne Library and Community Centre, computer access at Docklands Hub, a new interactive website (thanks for all the feedback on the current site), more self-service technology and enhancements to the library catalogue for our customers.
City Library
The vision for a public library in the heart of Melbourne was the brainchild of the CAE (formerly the Centre for Adult Education) and the City of Melbourne. City Library was not only to be a place to borrow material, but a community hub. A place where people would be able to meet for recreation, information and to foster a love of life long learning.
The remarkable architecture, concept and design by Patrick Ness of Cox Architects and Planners, saw an historic 19th century warehouse building converted into a dynamic space that reflects and supports the image of a bustling street, a community hub for lifelong learning and a welcoming environment for the entire community.
Steven Cornwell, of Cornwell Design, is responsible for the branding and signage that clearly reflects the philosophy of City Library - an uncluttered space that will allow people to reflect on their own thoughts and dreams.
The commitment, dedication and passion to the concept offered by the joint venture partners, CAE and City of Melbourne saw this dream became reality with the opening of City Library at 8.00am on May 31 2004.
In August 2005 City Library won the Living City category of the annual Melbourne Awards which recognise outstanding achievement in community development and business excellence.
East Melbourne Library and Community Centre
City of Melbourne’s new East Melbourne Library and Community Centre is Council’s latest Ecologically Sustainable Designed building, following the recent completion of Council House 2 (CH2) - Australia’s first six green star rated building.
The Environment Resource Centre is a fantastic resource for people wanting to lighten their environmental footprint and make a difference. It includes a range of environmental books, magazines, videos, DVDs, software programs and government information including flyers and newsletters. You can also be informed on upcoming environmental workshops and events as well as exchange your old showerhead for a free water-efficient showerhead.
The East Melbourne Library and Community Centre was reopened in August 2006, and was built to include environmentally sustainable design features. A successful trial of the Showerhead Exchange Program run by water retailers has now been made permanent. The City of Melbourne has since committed $15,000 in its 2007/08 budget to develop the East Melbourne Library as a permanent Environmental Resource Centre.
Register your interest next time you visit the library for the new East Melbourne Sustainability Street Program . It will run at the East Melbourne Library and Community Centre next year from February to Sept 2008.
North Melbourne Library
North Melbourne Library was built in 1882 and opened in 1884 as a Mechanics Institute and library. It is located next to North Melbourne Town Hall Arts House.
