When I wrote the article The Best Libraries in Sydney for Children, I knew there were a couple of libraries missing that I was yet to visit. The Woollahra Library in Double Bay was one of them. This is a large library with an amazing children's section and it has to be the greenest library in Sydney. 🪴📚❤️ 

Above are stairs that double as seating with green leaves cascading down. 

This green wall includes the return chutes!! 💚

Many libraries lack natural light. This library has lots of natural light but must also use grow lights or similar to support all of the plants. 

Onto the children's area, which is always my favourite part of the library. I love this mural by Australian street artist, Mulga. The large coloured soft pebbles make interesting seating. Don't be fooled by these images, this is a busy library. It's the busiest library we've visited, mostly with teenagers and young people.

Lots of books for young children to sort through and read. 

When we visited the slide was closed. I don't know how you supervise your children when there is only one parent and your child goes down the slide, perhaps the librarians help. 

Eames Elephants.

An interactive floor display.

Colourful mini Panton chairs in a little study area. 

Would you like to see more children's areas at our local (Sydney Eastern Suburbs) Libraries? Waverley Library (at Bondi Junction, NSW) has a cute robot return chute.

They have a large children's activity room which is often packed during Children's Story and Craft Times. You don't have to book for the Story Time Fun (2-5 years) and I don't think they cap their numbers, even when all of the chairs and tables have been taken we have been warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate, they always have plenty of craft materials too. I haven't interacted with staff at all of the libraries but the librarians at Waverley are the best, I've always found them approachable, and friendly.

Lots of low shelving, easy for children including toddlers to reach. 

Otto always enjoys the extras in the library, here on a Magis Puppy. Otto thought they might be horses, but they are dogs. The Waverley Library also has two Storytime PODs. 

Now we are at the Surry Hills Library. This is a modern, minimalistic library.

The tables are perfect for preschoolers+.

Large windows with window seats. They also have a toy library and Makerspace kits for loan.  

Our closest library is the Lionel Bowen Library (at Maroubra, NSW). This is a good space for children to run around and enjoy books without disturbing the rest of the library. 

The book bins in the middle are perfect for toddlers and the couch is always a good spot for reading. 

All of the books above are children's picture books and early readers in languages other than English.

The Lionel Bowen Library has a huge selection of toys in the Toy Library. You can read more about the Toy Library here. 

Look at all the wonderful toys on the shelves! 

Next year my youngest child Otto will start school, so I've been thinking about what I would like to do. If I am going to go back to uni now feels like the right time. Libraries are one of my most favourite places, and three weeks ago I was accepted to study for a Masters of Information Studies specialising in Children's Librarianship!! I'm so thrilled (and nervous) and my first subjects start in just two weeks. I will continue to post here when I can and I'll try not to focus too much on libraries going forward!! I haven't studied for many years and I don't know how I will juggle it all, but it just feels right and I know I can make it work! I apologise if there are any lengthy absences, I can't guarantee how often I will post here but I will do my best to stay in touch.