City of Sydney libraries love to inspire young minds. You’ll find dedicated areas for younger kids, quiet study spaces and regular events and workshops for babies, kids and teens in all of our branches.
But that’s not all. Kids can borrow retro gaming consoles, musical instruments, build robots and stream quality content for free. Read on for ideas about how you and your kids can get the most out of your local library.
Take home an armful of books and rescue your road trips
Library members get access to our extensive collection of books, ebooks and audiobooks. You can borrow up to 30 items for 3 weeks, so that should satisfy even the most hungry reader.
Going on a road trip? Audiobooks are a clever way to entertain kids and stay sane on a long journey. You can download audiobooks straight to a device, or borrow them on CD. Try Liz Pichon’s Tom Gates series, Burn by Patrick Ness and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson titles.
Enjoy movies and TV shows
With a library membership you get unlimited free access to quality children's content. Our Kanopy streaming service features a dedicated kids’ platform These curated collections ensure there's something for every little curious mind, from read-along books to classic tales and movies.
If you prefer to go old school, choose from more than 2,000 DVDs in our junior collection, available in English and other languages. Current favourites are are The Garfield Movie and IF.
Challenge your kids on your favourite retro video games
Introduce your kids to 90s classics like Donkey Kong, Sonic and Super Mario Bros. Games come pre-loaded on popular video game consoles Atari, Sega, Nintendo and the C64Mini, which you can take home.
Build simple robots and electronic gadgets
Enquiring brains can get an early start on coding and electronics with our hands-on makerspace kits. There are over 180 kits available to borrow, including Edison Robots, Ozobots, Snaps Circuits and Little Bits Synth kits. While you’re there, check out more than 200 toys and puzzles for tots and preschool children.
Interested in science and robotics? We have regular makerspace programs where children can explore robotics, programming, 3D printing, laser cutting and so much more.
Help your little one discover a love of reading at a fun meet-up
Grab a coffee and head to our free early literacy sessions for kids not yet at big school.
Rhymetime for children under 2 offers music, singing, puppets and an opportunity for children to socialise.
Storytime for 3 to 5 year-olds combines storytelling and craft to engage young minds encourage a love for books.
It doesn’t stop there. Storytime is also available in Auslan, and bilingual sessions are held in Mandarin and English.
Bookings aren’t required but you should arrive early as there’s limited capacity at some branches.
Get fresh ideas for activities outside of school
Primary-aged children can make new friends while discovering all the libraries have to offer.
Are you out of school holiday ideas? We run a series of free school holiday programs for kids and families of all ages.
Looking for a project to do with your children? Visit your local branch and research your family history with Ancestry library edition.
Consider learning a new language with interactive, step-by-step guides. There are more than 70 languages to choose from. Did you know members can access more than 16,000 online micro and in-depth courses? Topics include everything from software and technology to creative pursuits and business skills.
Need some R&R? Borrow one of our tabletop or board games or drop into a Sunday afternoon games session at Darling Square Library.
Tune in and take a musical instrument home
Ukuleles are available for members to borrow from Kings Cross and Green Square libraries.
Green Square Library also offers mini keyboards featuring 44 keys and built in tunes.
Check out our library catalogue help your child foster a love of music.
Get homework and HSC support
A library membership gets you access to plenty of research databases including Encyclopaedia Britannica. There are versions for kids, teens and adults.
Whether your offspring is embarking on HSC preparations or they just need a zone to concentrate on schoolwork, they’ll find space at their local branch. Bring your own computer and use the free wifi or jump onto one of our many public computers.
Small meeting rooms are available to students and members free at our Green Square and Darling Square libraries.
Join the library today
Joining the library is easy. Membership is free to all NSW residents and valid for 3 years.
Here’s a tip – borrowing limits are per member, not family. This means you’ll increase your borrowing limits with every child that joins.
Don’t have time to visit a branch? Download our Library app. Browse and search collections including ebooks and eaudiobooks, anywhere anytime.
Subscribe to our monthly library enewsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming events and workshops, new collections and services.
Published 22 January 2019, updated 21 October 2024
