This is a charming throwback to the old days of when libraries only lent you books. It has wooden shelving and armchairs and a great wooden central desk. The librarians are knowledgeable, and real book people, rather than information handlers. The oldest remaining traditional library in Melbourne, it is a privately owned subscription library and offers yearly memberships for a very reasonable fee. It is the sort of place you can go upstairs to using the lobby elevator or stairs, to sit down with a newly found book or a newspaper to browse, when you have had a hard day, and just need a quiet time for a cup of tea or coffee that you can pour yourself from the tea stand. Go on check it out and ask at the desk about memberships and borrowing privileges. You will be charmed.

This place is beautiful. Quaint little library with a good selection of books, and a peaceful atmosphere with comfortable reading spots. Went in just to see it and they had a book sale I took advantage of. Staff were really friendly. Took a look at their program and they get quite a few artists in residence, and they have reading groups. One was in session during my visit and it was nice to see a good discussion was happening.

High ceilings, heaps of books, quiet place to rest in the city, members subscription library, can make tea n coffee yourself, people know you after a while. There is a community around this library and the people who use it. It's unusual in that it is run by membership subscription, ie: a yearly fee. I like it for its personal touch , its community feel,and the quietness in the center of the downtown area.

Lovely old furniture and atmosphere you can get! Also people actually behave better than other libraries such as they have a call outside of library. ( so shocking many people just casually talk and have a call in the library normally. ) Here would not have as many options as other big modern libraries do but Great atmosphere and quiet!

A beautiful lift filled (and book filled) space and high ceilings. This is a welcoming members-only library with an enjoyable and significant collection of books. Membership is reasonably priced and means you belong to a community that enjoys and curates a rich cultural experience.

Beautiful library. However, I was sitting down to fill out the membership form when a librarian approached to tell me that only members were allowed to use the tables (after complaining to another man about the Chinese influx). Lost a member-to-be that day!

Claim to support the arts but in reality do not. Sue the executive officer objected and was not pleasant to deal with when requesting to do a very short and reasonably suitable video there.

Amazing and historical location. The ambiance and the proper sound management enabled the best of artistry to be displayed

Lovely atmosphere with a candle lite quintet. Superb music after a long lockdown.

Great hidden gem in the City of Melbourne. The staff is super friendly

The staff were lovely but the $100 sign up fee is exorbitant.

fantastic place to visit, awesome friendly staff

Beautiful city oasis of calm and welcoming

Most likely the best place in Melbourne!

Members only, beautiful hidden gem

Quiet