Fitzroy Library

Two things worth a mention that haven’t made into my fellow Unilocalers’ excellent reviews:
1) Fitzroy Library is not the same thing as the town hall. Both my friend and I looked at the majestic front of the Town Hall and were genuinely overwhelmed by the idea of a library being in there. It would be better than the State Library because there’d be bean bags and colouring in, but just as beautiful. At least, this is how it was in our imagination. In reality, the entrance is on the side of the building, and the library takes up a lower level. Not quite as cool, but make sure you walk down Moor St when you look for the entrance, not to the steps. That’s the long way.
2) The childrens’ section is one of the greatest I’ve ever seen. Please, if you’re a local, take your kids along and let them loose (well, quietly free) in the kids section of the library. It’s incredible. Really encouraging for reading, for homework, and for kids just spending their time there. I can see how it would become a sort of surrogate babysitting place, which isn’t cool guys, so if you’re going to take your kids make sure they leave the staff alone. Librarians are not childminders.

When I’m not Googling words such as sesquipedalian and calipygian, I can normally be found the dark recesses of a library flicking through encyclopedias or (Ok I admit it) reading the latest Dan Brown book.
Fitzroy library, set within the confines of the lovely Fitzroy Town hall is definitely one of my favourite spots to hang out and nerdishly pass my time. In fact, it is ideal for most of these pastimes with a number of computers that are free for use (you need to book them however), free WiFi and a great selection of books.
The staff are all really helpful and friendly — if a little frazzled from the hours spent trying to keep the many many school children in line that hang out here. Yes be warned this place gets packed out with children from the near-​by housing estate. So if you are looking for somewhere quiet and its 3.30 pm on a school day, then you are advised to go to the theatre to watch the lastest Tom Cruise movie or something.
Fitzroy library is one of the more interesting and well stocked libraries about. This is the reason why I have so stubbornly held on to my card despite not living in the 3065 postcode for a number of years now.

For those of you following me I’m sure it is no surprise to see yet another library review. Libraries have always been part of my life, so much so that I spent over twelve years working in one. Anyway to the review at hand.
Fitzroy Library at first glance is representative of the suburb it inhabits. Eclectic. Its location near the Town Hall between Smith and Brunswick Streets means that it probably should be busier then I found it to be an a quiet Monday morning. The staff were friendly, helpful and quick to assist! As a non-​member i was still able to use the free wifi which was helpful, although its speed was a little sluggish.
I loved the layout, despite being essentially one long room the stacks separate sections and give the appearance of little enclaves and lounge areas. The overall effect is one of intimacy.
Chinese and Vietnamese collections mingle with fiction, nonfiction, children’s and magazine collections. The study carrels with power points are perfect for a long haul session.
Bonus points for the current fine amnesty!

— Friendly, comfortable and accommodating.
— The staff are pleasant and helpful.
— The Wifi connection is rather slow and occasionally drops out.
— Often quite loud, as there are always plenty of children on the communal computers, so if you need silence to work, this is not the place for you.
— Offers a number of children’s community programs including a story time and playgroup.
— A large number collection of foreign language texts available for loan.
— The DVD selection is on the small side, but does have some decent arthouse and difficult to find titles.