Surry Hills Library

Tan a month ago

Honestly it was a good read experience, they have a great range of selections to read and structured reliable system to borrow books from this library. I can understand why is it called community library, but I also agree with everyone else that library supposed to be calm, I hope they add a new building section separated for kids and add more spaces for everyone who wants to read and study. Atmosphere are great for read but the noises makes it harder to focus, so if you plan to work your way here, bring your own noise canceling headphones/buds.

Mitchell Martinez Edited 4 months ago

Edited from 3 to 1 stars to reflect the disappointing responses from the staff. Feedback is regarded as incorrect and the responses are defensive, not reflective. Council need to pay more attention to how people are desperately calling out for this library and Darling Square Library to be improved, instead of trying to "correct" peoples' views. It's a lovely library in a convenient spot for locals, with lots of shops, parks and public transport nearby, but it's just too small. There needs to be significantly more seating here. Modern libraries need to serve the role of being coworking spaces and community hubs. I would like to see more efficient use of the space to add more areas to work. There's empty void next to the stairs, the community centre upstairs is extremely underutilised and should be converted to an extension of the library (maybe preserving one or two private bookable rooms), and the bookshelves could be raised higher to free up floor space so there's more available for seating. There is a lot of potential for this library to be a burgeoning, functional hub for the community, but right now it's just not making the most of its available space and it's a bit of a disap

Google User 6 months ago

This library is a mixed bag. On the one hand, facilities (computers, printing, AC, etc) are top-notch. In addition, patrons and staff are respectful and it is a familiar and good place to visit. On the downside: for densely populated Surry Hills, the library is far too small. Seating is extremely limited. The collection of books is laughably tiny. Mainly, the design of the library is among the worst, because noise carries far -- and since the space is so small with kids' area, computer area, books and seating all together on both levels, it is impossible to focus in a quiet space unless you have headphones. A number of reviewers have highlighted noise issues and limited seating to no avail, as nothing has ever been done to fix these things. Other libraries in Sydney are far bigger, more quiet and perhaps better suited for most visitors.

Sarah Thomson 7 months ago

A great spot for those that enjoy studying while people watching! However, I'd recommend against coming if you prefer quiet study spot or are planning to study for extended periods of time. Make sure to get there when they open as seating is highly limited.

Lucy Hawkins. 9 months ago

I try and study here and have the same problems as everyone else - people should be quiet in a library and there should not be a kids area if the design of the building magnifies any noise from this area and parents don't keep their kids quiet. It would be great if you could repurpose the kids space as study space is so severely lacking, but reviews from many years ago call for the same thing and clearly nothing has been done. Staff are lovely, building looks idyllic from the outside.