Perth City Library is one of those rare places that manages to feel both calm and exciting at the same time. Tucked beside the beautiful Cathedral Square precinct, the striking circular building is hard to miss, and once you step inside it quickly becomes a favourite stop on any family trip into the city. Light streams in through huge windows, there are cosy corners on every level, and the whole space is designed for people to linger – to read, study, meet friends, or just take a breather from the CBD hustle.
Families are especially spoilt here. Level Four is the dedicated Children’s Floor, created just for kids from birth to about 11 years. This level is home to the iconic indoor “Tree of Knowledge” and an adjoining outdoor play space where little ones can stretch their legs and get some fresh air. The shelves are low and inviting so children can choose and return their own books, with board books and picture books on one side and junior fiction and non-fiction on the other. There are beanbags, soft seating and plenty of nooks for snuggling up to share a story together. It’s all flooded with natural light, which makes it feel more like a magical reading hideout than a traditional library.
Parents will appreciate how thoughtfully the practical details have been covered. Bathrooms on the Children’s Floor include baby change facilities, making it easy to manage nappy changes without having to move between levels. The whole building is pram-friendly with lift access to all floors, and there’s space to park a pram while you sit and read. For safety, children 11 and under need to be accompanied by a responsible guardian, and under-fives must stay within sight. The Children’s Floor is primarily for families, so adults are generally asked to visit with a child, though you’re still welcome to pop up briefly to see the space or borrow from the collection.
Regular kids’ programs are a huge drawcard. Baby Rhymetime is held on Thursdays from 11am to 11.30am, with gentle songs and rhymes perfect for babies and young toddlers. Toddler Rhymetime runs on Tuesdays from 11am to 12pm and is a bit more energetic, ideal for wiggly little ones who love to sing and move. Storytime sessions are on Thursdays from 2pm to 3pm, combining stories, songs and simple activities to build a love of reading. These sessions are free but currently require bookings, and they’re very popular with city-based families and visitors alike, so it’s worth reserving a spot via the events listings before you go.
Beyond the weekly staples, Perth City Library also hosts a fantastic line-up of family-friendly events throughout the year. You’ll find LOTE (Languages Other Than English) Storytime sessions featuring stories in different languages, “Stories in the Park” events in nearby green spaces, school holiday craft activities, special author events and film screenings for kids. Many of these are free, and they’re an excellent way to keep children entertained during the holidays or to make a simple city outing feel like a big day out. Current dates and details are listed on the library’s website and the Visit Perth events pages, so it’s easy to plan around them.
The fun doesn’t stop when your kids grow out of picture books. Separate levels of the library are dedicated to young adults and adults, with quiet study areas, meeting rooms, an auditorium and a lovely terrace overlooking the city and Swan River. It’s a brilliant spot for teens needing somewhere peaceful to study, or for parents who want to sneak in a chapter of their own book while the kids are happily exploring Level Four. Free WiFi and a great range of eResources (including eBooks, audiobooks and online magazines) mean you can keep the reading going once you’re back at home too.
Joining the library is free and straightforward. You can sign up online and collect your card in person, or register at the information desk on arrival. Once you’re a member, you can borrow from the huge collection of books, magazines, DVDs and more, as well as access digital resources and special book club sets if you’d like to start your own reading group. There’s also a café space at ground level, making it easy to combine your visit with a coffee or snack before you head back out into the city.
Located right in the heart of the CBD, Perth City Library pairs perfectly with a wander through Cathedral Square, a visit to nearby museums, or a picnic on the lawn outside. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick Baby Rhymetime session, spending a rainy afternoon curled up with books, or giving older kids a quiet place to study, it’s one of the most family-friendly city stops you can make.
Perth City Library
Address: 573 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm; Saturday, 10am–4pm; Sunday, 12pm–4pm; closed on public holidays
Website: City of Perth Library
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
