Marrickville Library and Pavilion

Overview

If you've got a thing for libraries (and physical books), prepare to be very impressed by the state-of-the-art Marrickville Library and adjoining Pavilion.

The community hub has made its home on the site of the former Marrickville Hospital, an area now going by the name Patyegarang Place. The library houses a huge 85,000 books — 20,000 more than its predecessor. It's also three times the size.

Aside from being a bookworm's oasis, the three-storey centre boasts a suite of high-tech extras and modern community facilities. There's a cafe by Marrickville's own Double Roasters with indoor and outdoor seating, a collection of meeting spaces and private study rooms, and more than 1200 square metres of lush gardens. Inside, you'll find 26 computers and a dedicated technology teaching area, as well as a series of specially commissioned public artworks.

The new-look build is the work of acclaimed architectural firm BVN and cleverly incorporates modern elements onto the heritage remains of the existing hospital building. It's sporting a sustainable design, with features like environmentally friendly warming and cooling, rainwater tanks, natural light and ventilation systems, and plenty of recycled brick and timber throughout. All these eco-friendly touches have added up to an impressive 25 percent reduction in energy use compared to the old Marrickville Library.