Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre

This beautiful space is a wonderful retreat right in the heart of Crown Street shops. Go there for the wifi, bright clean work spaces, comfy chairs, loads of reading material. It's busy, but still peaceful, even at lunchtime I found a free terminal at the front window looking out onto a delightful sunny plaza. Downstairs, more quiet spaces, and a limited but eclectic collection of fiction and non fiction titles. I found what I wanted and more to go back for.

This library looks amazing!! Comfy chairs, modern look and quiet inside despite the havoc on Crown St. I love coming here to do some work, and the free wi-fi is a plus. For my needs (accounting), collection of books isn't that good though (Sydney Uni libraries are better). Overall, a great community library and good addition to Surry Hills.

Great little find in the middle of busy crown street. A great collection of contemporary books and fabulous Late Night Library series on Thursday night. Well worth a visit for the modern hipster!

The impressive Surry Hills Library and Community Centre was designed by architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp and it's a stunning space. Filled with books, of course (there's a large collection of fashion and design titles), as well as sofas, chairs and tables by the front windows to work or read while sipping on a coffee and using the free wifi. Rooms upstairs are available to hire for functions/fitness classes, etc.

Recently rebuilt from ground up, and facilities are excellent. Get there early though if you expect to get computer access or a seat to relax in. Very busy most of the time.