Glebe Branch Library

The Glebe Library is my jam. As an avid movie watcher and book reader I love to swing by and pick up a books/​DVDs to rent, with an nice array of new and old.
You can borrow 30 items at a time which I feel is extremely high! And you don’t have a limit on entertainment things. They have a massive cooking book section.
There are computers to use from which you can print (.20/​sheet) and heaps of study spaces with outlets to plug in your electric items.
There’s always speakers and special events and I always grab the upcoming events pamphlets to see what free events are happening in Sydney.
There is a Really cute childrens area with nooks and movies and they host sing songs on Tuesday’s.
I love the Glebe Library!

Cute tree and lovely staff!
It’s got air con and a fantastic little garden where you can lie under a tree and enjoy your book. If air con isn’t your thang!
Go check them out.

Books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs — all available to borrow. Comfy seats, a quiet environment. Need I say more?

If you are a student and live in the area, Glebe Library is a great place to study. The grounds are nice and leafy, there are places to sit in the sun and the shade, or if you prefer, the indoor area is quiet and air-​conditioned. As others have mentioned Wi-​Fi is free for members. There is also access to public computers.
Even if you are not a student, like myself, you can still make good use of the library and what it has to offer. Although not overly extensive, Glebe Library has a good range of books to borrow. Once you have found your book/​s of choice, you can proceed to self-​checkout or wait to be served by one of the friendly staff.
Already know what book you are looking for? Check out the online catalogue (
) to see if it available at your local branch. Haven’t had time to finish reading your book before it is due? Try renewing it online.
Keep it real, visit the library, it couldn’t be any easier.

Glebe’s library is the exact opposite of the new Surry Hills library, both inside and out. The Glebe Library looks like an old Victorian mansion. The grounds are maintained well and the gardens are a therapeutic and relaxing. This library loans not only books, music, and movies, but also acts as a center of enquiry for neighbourhood. This includes things like parking permits, questions about waste and recycling, and graffiti removal.
It’s easy to become a member to the library. I did in on their website by filling out my contact information. As a member, you can borrow up to 20 items for up to three weeks. A membership also gets you access to free Wi-​Fi in the library. This makes it a perfect place to study in a quiet environment.
Its selection of books is okay and has available many classic novels. There are also many magazine titles and audio CDs to choose from. I’ve borrowed some audiobooks to download to my computer if I’m about to go on a trip.

Whilst there are many things about Glebe Library than don’t quite compare to the new and swanky Surry Hills Library, Glebe’s older book house has a lot of redeeming factors that mean it still ranks pretty highly.
The Glebe Library grounds are beautiful. Grassy and surrounded by big leafy trees, it’s the perfect place to lie with a newly borrowed book. Inside the building however, things aren’t quite as cheery, as the computer area is a tad depressing, and the carpet throughout the building gives it a musty feel.
Sadly there is no free wifi unless you’re a member of the library. This membership however also includes membership to all ten of the City of Sydney libraries, including Customs House, Surry Hills, Newtown and Town Hall. Internet/​computer usage for non members is $ 3 per half hour.
The library also offers information services relating to local history and are happy to help with most general enquiries (literary, historically or locally related). Glebe library has also jumped on the Green Team, offering the loan of Bike Repair Kits (also selling patches) for their cycling customers and you can borrow ‘Power-​Mates’ which measure the amount of electricity each of your appliances uses on the basis of spreading awareness of electricity output.
My favourite feature of the Glebe Library is, by far, their kids area. A fun layout including a Thomas the Tank Engine filled with books, this section makes me want to grab a pillow and snuggle up with a picture book before borrowing from their awesome toy library.
The library also offers school holidays and HSC workshops, and my dream job, Rock’n Rhymetime and Storytime for ages 0 — 5. I’m looking forward to borrowing a toddler and falling asleep to the animated voices of the librarian.

Ever since I graduated from elementary school, I haven’t viewed libraries with the same admiration and wonder as I once did. Recently, however, after walking past the Glebe Library a few times, I decided to take a little gander inside… and I must admit, I was pretty darn impressed! The magazine and music collections were both quite notable. In terms of magazine subscriptions, they have everything from Cosmopolitan to Australian Sailing. Any new release must live there for a period of time, but older copies are available for check out.
The music selection offers pop, country, jazz, and world music. The pop section probably has all those tunes you secretly love but could never bring yourself to purchase (i.e. Kelly Clarkson). Surprisingly, they also stock some hipper albums. I spotted Phoenix and the Black Keys both on the shelves. The other awesome thing about joining the library is that you can check out up to 20 items at a time and keep them for up to 2 weeks, and all for free! They even do branch to branch transfers for special items they don’t have in stock. I reckon it’s time to get old school and pay your local library a little visit.