The non fiction collection reflects the diverse interests on the local community; with subject strengthens in cooking, travel, history, social issues, health and the environment.

The fiction collection focuses on current and popular novels; with the classics and the Top 1000 Books to Read being collected. Click here for Novels to read in a variety of genres.

Reference collection

A standard reference collection is held. Many of the traditional texts have been replaced by data bases and websites so please enquire if the resource you seek is not in the catalogue and we will direct you to a point of access.

Children's Collection

These are designed to capture the imagination, develop reading skills and support the education process. Children’s needs are individual so please contact the Children Librarian on 9367 9340 for assistance and advice.

Toy collection

The toy collection is so popular that there is a limit of two toys per borrower. This is a wide range of interactive educational toys for those critical formative years.

Young Adult collection

This collection aimed towards teenagers to relax, inform and amuse. The majority of the non fiction is selected to support high school subjects including an extensive HSC Collection .

Paperbacks, magazines & newspapers

These ephemeral collections are very popular. The paperbacks are divided into four genres based on reading tastes: general, crime, science fiction and romance. In excess of 350 magazine titles are held; please check the catalogue for availability. The magazine back issues are held for 12 months only. The newspaper collection is a read in house only collection.

Local History collection

This is a growing specialist historic collection capturing information, images and stories about LeichhardtMunicipality and the people who have lived here in the inner suburbs of Sydney – Annandale, Balmain, Birchgrove, Leichhardt, Lilyfield and Rozelle.

DVD collection

The DVD collection has two sections; movies and documentaries. Due to the popularity of this collection there is a limit of four DVD’s per borrower.

Music CDs, Spoken Word CDs, Language and CD Rom collections

The music collection has four sections; contemporary, classical, world and blues/jazz. Currently the spoken word collection is being developed focusing on fiction stories. The Cd Rom collection includes MP3’s and a variety of learn a language kits are held.

Italian collections

This collection of books, DVDs and CDs reflects the culture of Leichhardt.

Services

Author Talks

Each month at Leichhardt Library there is an author talk. Non fiction authors are featured discussing contemporary and controversial topic. Talks are held in the evening and light refreshments are provided. So if you would like the opportunity to engage in discussion come along; for details check the events pages. For a list of upcoming author talks click here.

Book Clubs

Leichhardt Library Service sponsors several book clubs; meetings are held at Leichhardt and Balmain libraries. For more information please contact the Community Information Officer on 9367 9348. Leichhardt Library's Book Club List; FOBL Open Book Club.

Internet and PC services

These services are available at both libraries. Members may use these services to a maximum of 2 hours per day and may book a week in advance. This service is popular so it is advisable to book a few days in advance; please visit or phone Leichhardt Library 9367 9266 or Balmain Library 9367 9211.

Home Library Service

The Home Library Service is free library service to residents in the Leichhardt Municipality, who are unable to visit the library due to age or illness. Books and resources are delivered, on a three week cycle, to the borrower’s home. To access this service a doctor’s certificate is required. Residents in nursing homes do not need a doctor’s certificate. Please Phone the Home Library officer on 9367 9362 if you or someone you know may require this service.

Exhibition Space

The Exhibition Space is provided free to encourage, stimulate and promote innovative and contemporary forms of art by local artists. Priority is given to quality contemporary exhibitions with themes that are of relevance to the local community. Additional events accompanying the exhibitions such as workshops, launches, artists’ talks & seminars are encouraged. The space is often booked six or more months in advance. Generally the duration of the exhibition is four weeks however longer periods can be negotiated. There is a hanging system installed which requires that works be hung using ‘D’ rings & exhibitors will need to speak to staff regarding installation requirements. For enquires please contact the Local History Librarian on 9367 9335.

Meeting Room

The Meeting Room at Leichhardt Library is available Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 8 pm

Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4 pm. The room will accommodate 20 - 30 people and has small equipped kitchen, tables, chairs, Internet connection, computer projector, white board and flip chart. It is free to community based groups who are located in the Leichhardt Municipality; and operate principally for the benefit of the Leichhardt community otherwise price is available on application from the Library Manager on 9367 92336. For bookings please contact Leichhardt Library Service on 9367 9336 or 9367 9330 or email the library.

FOBL – Friends of Balmain Library

This is an active community group whose focus is to lend community support to the Balmain Library and its activities. Activities include author talks, book fairs and a regular newsletter – ‘Bookworm’. A major achievement of the group has been a long standing commitment to the improvement of the Balmain library facilities which has culminated in the March 2009 refurbishment of the library and town hall. If you are interested in joining this group please email friendsbalmainlibrary@gmail.com.

Volunteers

Leichhardt Library has a limited number of dedicated volunteers working in the Local History Room on specialised projects. This work is organised around projects and volunteers all have both library skills and a commitment to the local history of Leichhardt. For enquires please contact the Local History Librarian on 9367 9335.

Local History Groups

Local History Groups are active vibrant participants in the collection and recording of historical information pertaining to Leichhardt Municipality and the people who have lived here in the inner suburbs of Sydney – Annandale, Balmain, Birchgrove, Leichhardt, Lilyfield and Rozelle. If you are interested in participating and contributing to Local History please contact the following associations

The Balmain Association

Annandale Urban research Association

Heritage Group of Leichhardt District

Leichhardt Urban research Association