Customs House Library

I came here to sit down and rest for a while during my trip. I like that the sofa is comfortable.

Has character but the other city of Sydney libraries are much better. Thin collection and very little space to study. The reading room was nice, but the plugs weren’t working.

On the ground floor is a model of much of Sydney that you can walk over.
On the first floor is the library, that has a lot of DVDs/CDs as well as a kids section with tables and chairs for sitting and reading.

Perfect little sanctuary in the heart of the city… warm, welcoming, staff very helpful.

Shhh…. Don’t tell anyone it is here.

The location is highly accessible and convenient, and sharing the space with other businesses in the same building gives it a great community feel, in my opinion the best public library space compared to all other libraries in Sydney, maybe even in Australia. Study spaces and computer area are generous and well-spaced out and seating is quite comfortable, with beautiful natural light flowing in throughout. The people who chose this location and designed this space should get a prize. However, opening times are way too short and how it managed itself the past few years is a big fail. They don't lend out headphones anymore, the "scary virus" being the reason, which is silly when people are touching everything else in the library. Luckily they don't require patrons to bring their own computers, tables and chairs but maybe in future they might do that using HSE as an excuse for every facility they remove. The ground floor space has been blocked for years and no newspapers. The management refuses to give jobs to people who don't take The Vacation but make the excuse it is short-staffed. I believe this is taxpayer-funded facility, if that's the case we are being absolutely short-changed.

? Rating: 5/5 The Layout: The Customs House Library is actually in a building and it’s on levels 1 and 2. The G level has this really cool display of Sydney CBD and the details are so impressive. On level G there’s a bit of a seating area, a public restroom, and a newspaper area.

On level 1 there is a small children’s section. There are 2 shelves and in between both of them are seats for the kids. The library has magazines, photography books, audio visuals, architecture, Australian history, literature and poetry, geography and travel, music, arts and crafts, and more.

There’s an area for audio visuals and community language on the 1st floor and it’s kind of tucked in the side of the building and when you walk in there are 3 rooms that you can walk through.

I noticed some Japanese and Chinese books in the second room. The third room is a bit smaller than the first and second but has a table and a shelf. I'd say it’s a good area for a group of students because it’s more isolated than some other rooms in the library. On level 5 there’s a cafe but you need to book a reservation ahead of time to eat there. The prices are also pretty decent.

My experience: I hadn’t done much research about the library before I arrived, so I didn’t know the library was in a building with other things but either way, it was still pretty easy finding the library. I arrived at about 11am and left at 2pm and mainly stayed in the quiet area of the library working on my computer on level 2. I also noticed that most people were on their phones, computers, and studying. I would definitely like to come here again and work on my computer or read a book.

Likes: I like the selection of genres for the books. The location is also really nice because I’m staying close to the library so it’s very convenient. It’s also a bit warmer inside than it was outside, so that was another good thing.

? Extra Info: The location is also nice because it’s just a 2 minute walk from the ferries and close to a subway restaurant.

Yes there is a kids area, so if you are around circular key for sightseeing its a good place to take a break with them.

Good library set in an historical building, conveniently located next to a transportation hub. Lots of books. Photocopiers and computers available. Reading room with power points. Friendly staff.

Love this library. It's my favourite library in Sydney. It's huge and the layout is very neat. (As opposed to Green Square library that's in an odd shape and very packed, with tables and shelves close to each other, organized messily) There are several areas for you if you want a quiet space with fewer people. Computers are available for your use, and printers.

Greatest library in the City of Sydney complimentary WiFi, and the model of Sydney under the glass floor. The library staff are commonly amicable. The structure itself is notable I exceedingly prescribe this spot to visit.

The building itself is iconic,
There is a mini Sydney city miniature model inside.
The library staff are generally friendly
During the Sydney vivid light, the building is projected by visual arts lights

Great deal my time I spent in this library. One of the best place in Sydney and must to see with iconic historic building almost same age of Sydney. Specially the lobby of ground floor this building is beautiful with so many exhibition and displays going almost every time. After a long wandering around city this us the place where you stretch your legs and read an amazing book or simply sit and relax in the couch and enjoy just be with yourself or with your loved one as well. Free WiFi here so you can surf in the net for whatever reason. I highly recommend this place to visit.

The librarians are friendly & helpful. The library have good range of books, CDs, DVDs, newspapers & magazines. Also the services are excellent. Good programmes & other events are also offered.

The staff here are wonderful: friendly, helpful and often that extra bit of sunshine to the day.
The interbranch reserves and transfers work really well, and the in library and online system and catalogue is comprehensive.
As well as the library books, resources and spaces, there are often inspiring, thought provoking, beautiful exhibitions taking place in this space. I love the library and this is one of my favourites!

I have visited many libraries in Australia (Melbourne & Sydney) But i love only this library. Very nice and friendly Staff.

Biggest library in the City of Sydney group with a great collection. Often has a couple of photo/video exhibitions going on. Free wifi, and the model of Sydney under the glass floor in the foyer is worth calling in for by itself.

Free internet access and Wi-Fi, in-house restaurants, great coffee shop outside.

Oh, I forgot, it has tons of books too. And exhibitions.

Don't miss the mysterious swastika-like things on the floor in the lobby. There's a detailed explanation on the wall so you will understand that they're not actually swastikas.

My laptop and I have spent many a happy hour here. Happy and QUIET!

One of the greatest places in Sydney to visit.
So much central and accessible by public transport.
Also enjoys a wide variety of books.

This place is cool, I had never even been inside until yesterday but wishing I'd discovered it earlier! Very modern on the inside, and check out the miniature city beneath your feet (underneath a glass floor!) when you walk in. Free wifi too.

Beautiful historical building. Loving the pretty knitted corals in the entrance hall at the moment!