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Fitzroy Library library in Fitzroy, VIC
Photo: Google
View of Fitzroy Library in Fitzroy, VIC
Photo: Google
View of Fitzroy Library in Fitzroy, VIC
Photo: Google

Fitzroy Library

4.2(73 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 0-10. Babies and toddlers enjoy story time programs and picture books, while early readers can discover Australian children's authors like Mem Fox and Shaun Tan alongside familiar favorites.

About

Fitzroy Library offers a welcoming escape for traveling families in Melbourne's trendy inner north. This community library features a dedicated children's section with quality Australian and international books, regular story time sessions, and a comfortable space where kids can explore reading while parents relax. It's an excellent free activity, especially on rainy days or when jet-lagged little ones need a quiet break from sightseeing.

Highlights

  • Dedicated children's section with Australian picture books and international titles
  • Regular story time programs perfect for meeting local families
  • Air-conditioned comfort, ideal for hot Australian summer days
  • Free activity in an otherwise trendy and expensive neighborhood
  • Exposure to Australian children's literature and culture

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Check the library's website before visiting for story time schedules, as these popular sessions fill up quickly and are perfect for meeting local families
  2. 2.Bring your passport as ID if you want to sign up for a temporary visitor library card to borrow books during your stay in Melbourne
  3. 3.Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience, avoiding after-school hours (3-5 PM) when it gets busier with local children
  4. 4.Combine your visit with exploring Fitzroy's famous street art and vintage shops along Brunswick Street, just a few blocks away
  5. 5.The library has free Wi-Fi, making it a great spot to plan the rest of your Melbourne itinerary while kids browse books

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings between 10 AM and 12 PM offer the calmest atmosphere. Tuesday through Thursday have extended hours until 8 PM if you need an evening activity. Weekend story times are popular with locals, providing a great cultural experience.

What to Know

Entry is completely free. Street parking is available on Moor Street with metered spots (check time limits). The library has accessible facilities and toilets. No food is available on-site, but Fitzroy's cafe scene is steps away.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with consistent programming. Summer (December to February) can be especially busy as local families seek air-conditioned activities. Check for special holiday programs during Australian school holidays (mid-December to late January, two weeks in April, July, and September).

Nearby Eats

Babka Bakery Cafe on Brunswick Street (5-minute walk) offers family-friendly Russian-inspired pastries and meals with high chairs available. Ladro Tap East on Moor Street serves wood-fired pizzas that kids love in a casual setting.

More Activities Near Fitzroy

Park

Fitzroy Gardens

Free

Fitzroy Gardens offers 64 acres of beautifully landscaped Victorian-era parkland right in the heart of Melbourne, providing the perfect escape for families. Kids can run free on sprawling lawns, explore winding tree-lined paths, feed ducks at the ornamental lake, and burn energy at the playground while parents soak in the heritage gardens and historic Cook's Cottage.

Playground

Gertrude Street Playground

Free

Gertrude Street Playground is a vibrant, modern play space in the heart of trendy Fitzroy, offering a fantastic mix of climbing structures, swings, and slides perfect for burning energy after exploring the neighborhood's cafes and shops. The well-maintained facilities and ample shaded areas make it a reliable choice for families, whether you're locals or visiting Melbourne from abroad.

Restaurant

Black Star Pastry

$$

Black Star Pastry in Fitzroy is a beloved Australian cafe where families can enjoy exceptional Italian-inspired treats in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Famous for their Instagram-worthy strawberry watermelon cake, this patisserie offers a dedicated kid-friendly menu alongside delicious pastries, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon sweet treat with little ones.

Park

Edinburgh Gardens

4.7Free

Edinburgh Gardens is a beloved local park offering wide open green spaces perfect for picnics, ball games, and letting kids burn off energy. With multiple playgrounds, sports facilities, and a relaxed community atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for families to experience Melbourne's outdoor lifestyle like a local rather than a tourist.