Can the minutes please show that we just absolutely love a good library? 

Far from being stuffy or stressful places to visit with kids, we reckon they're an awesome indoor option for families that offer engaging activities, play opportunities, and, of course, plenty of books to enjoy. We've rounded up the most kid-friendly libraries in Sydney, so you've got some options next time it's raining or you fancy doing something a bit different. 

The Most Kid-friendly Libraries in Sydney

Why We Love Libraries 

First up, let's take a minute to consider all the reasons we love libraries so much. Well, they're kid-friendly venues that are full of creativity, education, music, and imaginative fun — and free? What's not to love about libraries! It might not be the first thing you think of when you're looking for a day out with young kids, but if you look a little closer, you'll find that your local library is a treasure trove of joy that will fill your child's mind with the good stuff and set up some healthy habits for life.

1. Blacktown City Libraries

If you live in Western Sydney, Blacktown City Libraries deserve a spot on your rainy day shortlist. With five branches across the LGA, Blacktown City Libraries is one of the busiest library networks in NSW, and every single one of them is genuinely kid-friendly.

All five locations offer free children's activities, including Baby Rhyme Time, free Wi-Fi, and computers for use, making them a reliable and welcoming option for families with babies through to primary schoolers.

The flagship branch is Max Webber Library in Blacktown, the largest in the network, spanning two levels and featuring designated quiet study and reading areas, plus an interactive children's area. For families in the north-west, Dennis Johnson Library in Stanhope Gardens is a standout. It's currently hosting a free touring exhibition from the Australian Museum, Future Now, an interactive exploration of sustainable futures, including models of a green city, a sustainable home, and resilient coastal landscapes, running until 21 July 2026. Our Library @ The Mount Druitt Hub in Ayres Grove serves families in Mount Druitt, while Lalor Park Branch Library on Freeman Street and Riverstone Library & Digital Hub — located on the first floor of Marketown shopping centre — round out the network, making it easy to find a branch close to home.

Locations:
Max Webber Library -  Flushcombe Rd and Alpha St, Blacktown
Dennis Johnson Library - 1 Sentry Dr, Stanhope Gardens
Our Library @ The Mount Druitt Hub - 9 Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt
Lalor Park Branch Library - 1 Freeman St, Lalor Park
Riverstone Library & Digital Hub - Riverstone Village, Riverstone Parade and Market St, Riverstone 

2. The Ashley Dawson-Damer Children's Art Library at the Art Gallery of NSW 

Bright, inviting, and full of colour, the Ashley Dawson-Damer Children’s Art Library at the Art Gallery of NSW is a delightful space for young readers. With cosy 'cubby houses' for reading, tables for creative learning, and a large, comfy lounge, it's perfect for adults to read with kids or for older children to get lost in a book.

In this special collection, you'll find books about art and artists, works by artists, and guides on making art, as well as books in various languages, works by First Nations authors and illustrators, and resources for children with disabilities or special access needs. Plus, a hearing loop is available in these areas.

There's also a regular program of engaging events and activities. Note: this is not a lending library, so books need to be enjoyed on the premises. 

Location: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney

3. Green Square Library, Zetland 

The City of Sydney's six-story Green Square Library has established itself above and underground, reclaiming land that used to be a swamp! The award-winning design features a glass entry pyramid that lights up at night and an aeroplane.
 

The library boasts a Piano Room with a view, a Guitar Library, and the comfiest-ever Kids' Space to enjoy. Oh, and we're in love with the Rainbow Reading Room — you'll never want to leave! 

Location: 355 Botany Rd, Zetland

4. PHIVE Parramatta

Complete with the brand-new City of Parramatta Library within its walls, PHIVE Parramatta is a great addition to the city's kid-friendly library rotation. 

Boasting more than 65,000 books and a dedicated children's space with an extensive children's book collection, the library at PHIVE Parramatta is a great place to meet friends for a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.  Storytime runs throughout the school terms, and there's also an ever-growing roster of family-friendly events, workshops, and activities throughout the year. 

Location: 5 Parramatta Square, Parramatta

5. Woollahra Library, Double Bay 

Let's be honest, this one stands out because it has a slide — a slide in a library! You can just go to a park if you want a slippery dip, but what the Double Bay Library offers little people is much more than that! The state-of-the-art library is full of wonder, including a 'living wall' of greenery and a conveyor belt to return books that you can watch through the peepholes.

The secret garden is the most enchanting kids' area of the library, where they hold their children's program, including Book Babies, Rhyme Time, and Story Time. When there are no classes, it is a great place for kids to play on iPads or sit and read. There is also a Games Space on level 2  and a Mini Makers Club for school-aged children, plus school holiday activities and special events.

Location: 1/451 New South Head Rd, Double Bay

6. Marrickville Library

Marrickville Library and Pavilion is a must-visit destination for all book lovers! They repurposed the old Marrickville Hospital site to create a custom-built library within a vibrant community hub, three times larger than the old one.

There is a new junior library, loads of garden space, a children's playground, and, in a win for parents, an on-site cafe by inner-west faves Double Roasters! There is a regular Little Library Lovers program for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and an after-school Bookworm Kids Club for all kids ages 8-12 to explore their love of reading and develop their creativity.

Location: 313 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville

7. Rockdale Library

Rockdale Library (aka Bayside Library) totally redefines what you think a library is! For starters, the kids' section looks like something out of a Lewis Carroll novel! There are lots of spaces for children of all ages, lots of vibrant colours, and lush greenery. They can find a nook to curl up with a book and be lost in their imagination for hours.

Location: 444-446 Princes Hwy, Rockdale

8. Hurstville Library

It's big, it's clean, and you can borrow toys as well as books from the 'Library of Things'!

At Hurstville Library, there is so much on offer that will help instil a love of books in your child. In addition to Story Time and Rhyme Time for younger kids, the library also offers a dedicated after-school program for children aged 5-10 years.

There is also kids' yoga, school holiday activities and lots of clubs to choose from. 

Location: 12-22 Dora St, Hurstville

9. Balmain Library

The Little Library Lovers program includes Rhyme Time, Wiggle and Jiggle and Story Time, plus there's an Under Construction Lego Club for school-aged kids during the term.

This library in the historic Balmain Town Hall has something for everyone! Balmain Library also hosts fun school holiday activities and special events. There's a whole kids' section out back for these programs, but you can come in at any time to chill out with a book or play with the selection of toys.

Location: 370 Darling St, Balmain

10. Randwick City Library

The family-friendly Randwick Library knows that books will always be the calling card, but sometimes it takes a bit more to get people through the doors. They run special events like gaming and 3D printing workshops, and science clubs and encourage kids to write book reviews for other guests to read.

Randwick City Library also runs summer reading programs with incentives for kids to read during that school break, plus there's a huge toy and game library, so you never have to buy your kids toys (that they only play with for a few days) again!

Location: 73 Belmore Rd, Randwick

11. State Library of NSW

The beautiful maze-like space at the State Library of NSW is brimming with Australia’s best children’s books and was created to nurture curiosity and a love of reading.

There is an array of engaging activities for kids, including Story Time, Family Sundays, and school holiday fun. There is also a Family Room dedicated to their youngest visitors and their carers, where you can drop in and have some fun with books, puppets, dress-ups, games, and activities curated specifically for those under 5s.

Location: 1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney

12. Mona Vale Library

From digital learning activities to literacy games, animal exploration, LEGO and, of course, storytelling, Mona Vale Library is a flurry of educational activities 7 days a week.

The centrally located library caters to children of all ages, offering four dedicated kids' services and hosting thousands of books to support their growing minds.

Digital Kids, Fun at the Library, Recommended Reads, and Homework Help are the activities on offer and are free to all library members.  

Location: 1 Park St, Mona Vale

 

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand what makes an outing with kids genuinely work. Our team researches and curates the best family-friendly events, attractions, playgrounds, restaurants and school holiday activities, with practical details on age suitability, accessibility, parking, public transport, facilities and family-friendly tips.

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