Cottesloe Peppermint Grove & Mosman Park Library

I remember when the library first opened and we were all so excited — a new place to study, and so close to home. It was perfect.
But now it is definitely not a good place to go for a quiet read or a bit of productive study. In the last year, I have not managed to go to the library at a time when it is quiet. There’s always something happening — children’s sessions, students ‘studying’ loudly, not to mention the fact that there’s never enough places to sit.
If you are looking for somewhere quiet and peaceful, this is not the place for you. If you are looking for somewhere with friendly staff, great design and a reasonable selection of books then this is your library.

I love this building. Usually when I think about a library I imagine a dull brown building with right angles and plastic window frames smelling of dust and vacuum cleaners.
The interior is a haven of comfortable study areas with a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
I like the addition of a café because in the likelihood that you either have work or study to do here you will eventually need a caffeine hit and a sugar rush.
It fits in with the fancy elements of the neighbouring Peppermint Grove and Mosman Park.
So it is true, even the libraries are fancier in the Western suburbs.

Aah, the Grove Library. A cool and serene oasis of learning and literature. It’s spacious and modern, with plenty of room to sit and read, research, use the internet, or do whatever else you might like to do in a library. There’s a nice little café, too, if you get peckish.
The collection of books is not particularly extensive, but it’s only a small local library, and you can of course request a book if you can’t find it. I did just that — I was after a particular book on sea turtles. The guy behind the counter was really friendly and helpful, and we chatted for a while, mainly about my motivation for requesting a book on sea turtles (which I won’t go into, but trust me, it’s legit). He found the book I was after, as well as another one by the same author, and requested both for me. I now eagerly await their arrival.
The Grove is a lovely library. It struck me immediately when I walked in how calm and quiet it is in there — and I know libraries are ALL supposed to be quiet, but somehow this one just felt extra calm and peaceful. I look forward to reading about sea turtles in it.