City Library set for makeover, with new spaces for the whole community

The CBD’s much-loved City Library is set to undergo a major revamp, creating a more inviting and modern space.

The Flinders Lane library, which saw more than 255,000 visits from city workers, students, and residents last year, will be revitalised to better cater for the needs of the community while enhancing the overall library experience. 

As part of the upgrade, the ground floor will be overhauled making it quicker to browse books while the first floor will be fitted out to provide spaces for the community to come together for meetings, study and co-working.

Once complete, visitors will be able to explore and borrow from the curated collection, access computers as well as Wi-Fi, and enjoy the areas for reading, relaxation and learning, and to reserve spaces for teamwork.

Renovations are expected to begin in January, with the facility to be closed for about four weeks.

The council will work closely with library users and community members to reduce disruption and ensure continued access to services.

City Library will continue to be accessible for all including vulnerable and marginalised people, those at risk of or experiencing homelessness or family violence, and anyone looking for respite.

“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,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“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.”

The council’s Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Cr Jamal Hakim also expressed his excitement saying libraries were 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.”

He said City Library would continue to deliver for the community as the council built for the future.

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 November 25.

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. •

Caption: Cr Jamal Hakim celebrates City Library’s upcoming upgrade. Photo: Hanna Komissarova.