narrm ngarrgu Library will be closed on Wednesday 13 December for a City of Melbourne event.
The library will reopen on Thursday 14 December at 10am.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Located in the heart of the Queen Victoria Market precinct, and informed by extensive community consultation, the new 3000 m2 space has been designed so everyone in our diverse community can explore their interests, learn something new and access integrated family support.
narrm ngarrgu spans across three levels and features a dedicated children's library, a new family services centre, bookable spaces and a community rooftop terrace overlooking the bustling market precinct and stunning city skyline.
It’s an oasis for families in our busy city. Pop in to browse the extensive book collection, admire the artworks or explore your creativity in the makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, paint booths, sewing machines and sound studios.
The library also offers digital literacy classes so you can learn how to use software and online platforms. This new library adds to our five neighbourhood libraries, City Library, plus the mobile library service Mel-Van and our pop-up libraries. To find out more, subscribe to our newsletter or get the app and follow us on social media.
The new Family Services centre provides a holistic range of services, including maternal and child health, parenting services, immunisation and family support and counselling. Young families can also enjoy the parent room, playroom and secure outdoor play area.
narrm ngarrgu (pronounced nahrrm narr-GUW) translates to 'Melbourne Knowledge' in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language. We have worked alongside First Nations Elders, artists and community to reflect their knowledge systems and bring this warm, welcoming space to life. The name, the materials, artworks – even the design of the carpet – honours and celebrates our First Nations community.
The library has over 30,000 books; 22,000 for adults and 8000 for children. There are books in a variety of languages including Chinese, Japanese and Korean. It also features an English as an Additional Language collection.
The dedicated children’s library features a play and programming area and access to the secure terrace. There are activities and events for children of all ages including storytime, craft sessions and book clubs.
The library also hosts a Social Work Outreach Program, which provides support and referrals.
narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services is part of the broader Queen Victoria Market precinct transformation and the $1.7bn Gurrowa Place development. This project is supported by the Victorian Government and received $1 million funding from the 2022 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and $180,000 from the 2022 Changing Places funding round.
The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.
We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.