Inner West libraries reviewed (part 1)

Liangyu Sun and Emily Graetz share the highlights and lowlights of Inner West study and reading spots. 

After another semester cramped up in Fisher Library, you might be looking to break free and experiment with something truly life changing: community libraries. The Inner West has plenty of stellar study spots on offer so why not consider finding a new one this winter break… or even trying them all. 

Ashfield Library (Liangyu)

This little community library sitting on top of the Ashfield shopping centre is the study space you could drop by after uni if you live in Western Sydney. Whilst it can be crowded after 3pm, you could still get a chill study vibe if you arrive early. Unfortunately, the library has a relatively small amount of quiet study areas and less power stations considering its size. This means it can be hard to find a charging station if your laptop’s battery is drained. I won’t recommend this space to heavy laptop users, but it could be a lovely place for essay writing. There are people from the local community reading newspapers and books inside the library, which means you might be more aware of typing/chatting noise than on campus. Still, in general it might be the space for you if you want to save some commuting time.  

Pros: near train station, opens 7 days a week, near shopping centre 

Cons: limited quiet study area, limited power stations

Emanuel Tsardoulias Community Hill Library (Dulwich Hill) (Emily)

A contemporary and stylish space, the Emanuel Tsardoulias Community Library sits just on the edge of Dulwich Hill town centre. Easily accessible via bus or a short walk from the Light Rail, the library is perfect for students seeking out a quiet and comfortable study space. Being one of the Inner West’s smaller libraries and without a dedicated quiet study space, I’d recommend visiting in the morning so you don’t have to compete for a desk or some silent time. Still, considering its size, the library contains an impressive amount of computers and the book collection, whilst small, is comprehensive. All in all, Emanuel Tsardoulias has everything you need in a community library. I’d recommend the space for students who prefer a quiet but not silent library and want to take their pick from an ample array of Dulwich Hill coffee in their study breaks. 

Pros: clean and tidy, well-resourced, helpful staff

Cons: closed Sundays, small space, no dedicated study area

Marrickville Library (Liangyu)

One of my secret favourite hideaways during weekend and semester working days in the Inner West, Marrickville library has that relaxing vibe for people who just want to take a step away from the daily stress on campus. One of the biggest pros of the place is its large quiet study area, where there is a great selection of books for essay brainstorming and a lovely leafy balcony to get some fresh air during breaks (which helped me survive my research year). The cafe inside the library, Side Story Cafe by Double Roasters, makes great coffee and lunch boxes for reasonable prices. The library also has computer desks inside and plenty of power sockets in case you run out of power. Overall, add it to your list if you live in the surrounding suburbs or around train stations, it is a lovely space for essay brainstorming and exam preparation. 

Pros: opens 7 days a week, near a train station, plenty of study spaces, fair selection of books, great and affordable food around the suburb

Cons: can be crowded on weekend afternoons

Stanmore Library (Emily)

Essentially a large shipping container sitting next to the train tracks, this unsuspecting library is a hidden gem. What it lacks in size it makes up for in character, with the outside of the library featuring bright artwork and the inside full of community spirit. The library is just one big room so whilst it might not be suited to those looking for a completely silent space, it’s perfect if you need to feel like you’re working amongst actual humans and not just surrounded by other mindless student-drones. The staff are friendly and the book collection, whilst small, packs a punch. I spent a lot of time here finishing off a big essay for my undergraduate degree and its sunny seats by the window hold a special place in my heart. I’d recommend Stanmore Library for those looking for a more casual and relaxed study environment. 

Pros: proximity to good coffee and public transport, well-lit and friendly community vibes

Cons: minimal study spaces, can be noisy after school time so not conducive to silent study, closed Sundays