Melbourne Athenaeum Library

The heritage listed Melbourne Athenaeum Library has operated from its Collins Street headquarters since 1839, making it the oldest subscription-based library in Victoria.

Open to members and the general public, the library offers more than 30,000 volumes of biography, science fiction, fantasy, history, current best sellers, journals and popular magazines, detective fiction and classics.

Members can borrow up to 30 items at one time, for up to four weeks and enjoy access to free wi-fi, use of iPads, printers and photocopiers.

The library also hosts several book clubs and events.