A guide to Melbourne’s best libraries and study spaces for students

As a student, or anyone with a heavy workload, it can be important to switch up your workspace every so often.

Sitting at the same desk, staring at the same computer, surrounded by the same four walls can quickly become uninspiring when you do it too much.

Most universities have their own dedicated libraries and study spaces, but these might not always be the best option for you; you might be studying remotely, not live near your university, or just find it inconvenient for any number of reasons.

Many students, particularly those doing postgraduate study, need alternative options. For example, if you’re working full time and studying an MBA remotely, you might need access to a space near your office that’s open after hours.

Luckily, Melbourne has plenty of options when it comes to your study needs:

Library at The Dock, Docklands

Nestled in Melbourne’s Docklands Precinct, the Library at The Dock is a three-storey building located at 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands and filled with a variety of spaces, resources, and equipment for whatever your field of study. A particularly fantastic library for those in more creative or hands-on industries, the space has a recording studio and creative editing suite for audio work of all kinds, as well as practice rooms equipped with digital pianos, and one of the City of Melbourne’s Makerspaces, providing access to items including sewing machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, audio and visual equipment, workshop tools, and electronics. 

Library at The Dock is right on the waterfront, providing a picturesque view while you work, as well as the perfect spot to take a lunch break or get some fresh air. In addition, the building has an open-air terrace equipped with table tennis tables — the perfect way to break up hours of sitting at a desk. The location sits in a relatively quiet part of the city, providing a peaceful environment for work without taking you too far from the convenience and business of the city. 

The library is open from 10am to 6pm on Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 6pm on Friday, 10am to 4pm on Saturday, and 12pm to 4pm on Sunday, and is easily accessible via the route 11 and 48 trams, or a 1.2km walk from Southern Cross Station.

Melbourne Central and Emporium Concourse, Melbourne

This one might sound a bit odd at first, but if you’re just looking for somewhere to set up your computer or books and work, then the walkway joining Melbourne Central and the Emporium is perfect, particularly if you’re someone who enjoys a little hustle and bustle around you. The concourse offers wireless charging pads, powerpoints, free wifi, and plenty of desk space and seating areas. It’s also full of natural light, as both sides of the concourse feature big windows. The best part? You’re surrounded by two shopping centres and all the food and coffee options they have on offer. 

The centres are open from 10am to 7pm every day, except for Thursdays and Fridays, when the hours are extended to 10am to 9pm. This one is super easy to get to, only minutes from Melbourne Central train station and the many trams that stop at Melbourne Central/Swanston St. 

State Library Victoria, Melbourne 

A classic and old reliable; the State Library Victoria, at 328 Swanston St, is rich in history and known for its beautiful architecture, having first opened in 1856. The State Library has all the study essentials: plenty of desk space, printing, copying, and scanning services, public computers, and online access to journals, databases such as JSTOR and ProQuest, and ebooks for members (a free membership). The library’s expert librarians are also available during the day. 

The library is quite big, and features various workspaces, galleries, and more. Important for those looking to study are the Redmond Barry Reading Room, classified as the main reading space, the Create Quarter, ideal for group work, and the La Trobe Reading Room, famous for its octagonal domed shape and ideal for quiet study. You can also book meeting rooms and studios for free. 

The State Library is home to Mr Tulk, and Guild Cafe, but is surrounded by endless food and coffee options as it sits in the heart of the city and directly across the road from Melbourne Central. It also couldn’t be in a more convenient location when it comes to public transport; the library is easily accessible via Melbourne Central train station or one of ten different tram routes that run down Swanston St and La Trobe St. Open from 10am to 6pm seven days a week (with some public holiday exceptions), the State Library is ideal for those looking to spend their days studying in the city. 

CYDUS Internet and Gaming Lounge, North Melbourne

There aren’t many of them anymore, but internet cafes do provide an ideal place to study if you need access to a computer or internet. If you’re a night owl, Cydus Internet and gaming Lounge is the perfect all-nighter study spot, open from 10am to 6am on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends. 

With fast internet access, 24-inch display computers, plenty of snacks available to purchase, a cosy atmosphere, and games at the ready for when you need a break, Cydus has you covered. Internet and games usage is $7 per hour for non-members, and $5 per hour for members. Membership is $20 per year and gets you three free hours. 

On the edge of the city and opposite the Queen Victoria Market, Cydus is easily accessible via the 19, 57, or 59 tram routes, and the area also has a variety of parking options. 

Bargoonga Nganjin, Fitzroy North

“Bargoonga Nganjin” translates to “gather everybody” in Woiwurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people. Bargoonga Nganjin, at 182-186 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North, is a community hub providing all the library essentials. Only a few kilometres out of the CBD, it’s perfect for the many students living in the sharehouses of Melbourne’s inner north – or anyone willing to travel, really. 

In addition to its study spaces, books and other resources, Bargoonga Nganjin features punctured window shades that let in lots of natural light, making for a bright and open-feeling study environment, and also boasts a rooftop garden, providing the perfect oasis for an outdoor cram session away from the desk, or a lunchtime break in the sun. It’s also only minutes from Edinburgh Gardens, and the many restaurants, cafes, and bars of Fitzroy North. In particular, the library is metres away from Good Times, where you can get yourself a well-earned bowl of pasta for only $9 after a long day of studying. 

Bargoonga Nganjin’s opening hours differ across the week; it's open from 10am to 6pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 10am to 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 4pm on Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm on Sunday. The library is surrounded by street parking options and is on the doorstep of the route 11 tram. 

Your home or university likely have spaces where you can study, but these aren’t always appropriate or accessible, and sometimes you just need to mix things up. Melbourne is full of study spaces of various kinds; give these ones a go and you might just find a new favourite spot.