A library encouraging childhood imaginations to “run wild”

Highlighting the value in nourishing and supporting a child’s imagination, the City of Melbourne has opened up a new pop-up library in Federation Square.

A place for a child’s mind to roam free, the library is for children of all ages and has an expansive range of fiction and nonfiction literature.

Opened from January 27 and remaining in place until mid-April, the council’s Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Cr Jamal Hakim said the new library would join other libraries in being the “most accessible local destination”.

“[Libraries] are more than just books – they are a place of facts, fun and importantly, a place for everyone,” he said.

“Our new pop-up library is the trendiest place for children to immerse themselves in fantastical stories and learn new things – with more than 1200 brand news books, as well as coding robots, fraction board puzzles and interactive kits just waiting to be enjoyed.”

Funded by both the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government, the pop-up library is part of the Melbourne City Revitalisation’s $200 million fund.

As an initiative aimed at helping support the city’s creative arts and culture sector, the latest pop-up library is the third in the series and comes after a food-themed library in the Queen Victoria Market precinct and an Express Book Bar on Little Collins St.

“Around 1500 visitors have attended our first two pop-up libraries, taking advantage of the convenient locations, curated selections and the delightful Make It Space – where you can create anything from calico bags to 3D prints,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“Our series of pop-up libraries is delighting Melburnians and bringing more people into the city more often.”

As well as books and interactive kits, the latest library will also be hosting a range of family-friendly activities over the next coming months of its stay and will aid in bringing life back to Federation Square – a location the City of Melbourne has been striving to invigorate and make known as a globally iconic destination.

“The Fed Square library is the ideal place for parents and kids to discover a whole new fun-filled world,” Cr Capp said.

“I can’t wait to see young minds explore our latest offering.” •