Parramatta Library — Attraction in Sydney

Incredibly disappointed by our experiences there. First time we joined in the story time witch started off with outdated and non-secular rhymes. Then went on to include two books which depicted misogynistic and paternalistic views. While I sat there stunned my eldest came up and asked if we could walk away back to our own readings!

The next time my youngest child (2 years old) asked a librarian if they had a particular book. The librarian answered they should check the app!! As if a 2 year old can type 🤦 I informed them we had already, but since we are newly joined members I wanted some guidance on their app and website… the “librarian” did not even know how to search their library catalog! You can’t even make this stuff up. They fumbled their way through then said actually we do have it in our catalogue. But when I looked at it I pointed out it said Riverside Library. I asked if the two libraries were connected, which I was informed they are not. It turns out the “librarian” was just doing a general google search as they did not know how to use their intranet.

At the end of the futile search I was informed we could recommend the book for the library to purchase. I asked if I could be shown how to do it. My question was answered by a blank look and heavy pause, eventually followed by the golden catch phrase, “you can do it on the app”. This elicited a brilliant smile of self satisfaction from the victorious “librarian” as their normality had been restored.

All this to say, do not bother interacting with the completely untrained robotic staff. They are not there to assist you or even engage in human contact. They are merely Heralds of...

There are literally two levels to this library where there is no noise restriction. Its not ideal, but its fine. Its for the public after all. But there is one quiet room for study. And on the daily, there are idiots taking phone calls, high schoolers whispering which I can hear through my head phones sometimes. The entire library and the ground level is community space, which is open to talk, so it annoys me no end that people - adults and students - don't understand the concept of a quiet study room. I asked a staff member to ask someone taking a phone call to stop. There were two staff who where hesitant to approach this man, and only did so when I went to get up after I said I was more than happy to do it. Afterwards the staff member was like, they weren't sure it was him because he was quiet -- he was the only person in the room on the phone. And when a room is silent, you can hear it. I wouldn't give a toss if I couldn't hear him. Really disappointing response from staff. Previously they have been pretty good and the facilities are good. I live really far away from my campus and home is not ideal and sometimes some of us need total silence to concentrate. I really wish library staff across the board were more...

I’m disappointed to see that Parramatta Library is losing its function as a place to study. What used to be a quiet and focused environment is now increasingly noisy and disruptive, mostly due to people openly taking video calls in common areas. It’s frustrating for those of us who come to the library expecting a calm space to study or work.

Libraries are meant to support learning, concentration, and quiet reflection. Allowing video calls and loud conversations to happen unchecked undermines that purpose. It feels like there’s no enforcement of basic noise etiquette anymore.

Why not designate separate areas for different purposes—such as one floor for collaboration and calls, and another strictly for quiet study? This would cater to both needs without compromising the library’s core function. Other modern libraries have managed this balance successfully.

I hope the management seriously considers restoring the library’s study-friendly environment before it loses more regular users seeking a quiet...