Belmont Hub — Local services in Cloverdale

The facilities inside r great tho they could do with more interactive/sensory hard cover books for little kids like ah bracks do eg pull/slide/lift/sensory books. But what made me give it 2 stars is how bad n little parking they have near the library....I've been a member of other govt libraries n have spoken with other parents in this library n we all agree how bad the parking facilities r here....1stly - there just isn't enough parking at this library n 2ndly the parking they have at the library is only limited to 0.5hr -2 hrs....I was unaware of this as the prev library I attended had heaps of parking spots in the library car park n was unlimited with a few 0.5hr parking at the bays closest to the pharmacy....with this library there's only a handful of parking within walking distance to the library with 2hrs n then the so called next closest parking is all the way over at volcano park which is a loooooong walk to the library Esp on a very hot or cold rainy day with young child(kids). Rhyme n storytime r both at least 1 HR so I don't c how this parking situation encourages parents with young kids to visit, stay n explore the library....with the limited nearby short term parking of 0.5-2hr ....it's more like they just wants ppl to quickly return or borrow books n not stay n enjoy/explore facilities there....myself n other parents have resorted to parking at Belmont forum bcos of this which again is not the most convenient as we have to cross the busy roads with young kids....n not happy at all that we got fines bcos the 0.5hr sign was not very visible n there was only 1 in the whole bay so if u were new to the area, rushing around with a young toddler like most harried mum's r n depending where u parked, u couldnt see it n werent aware of it only to get a rude shock of receiving a hefty parking fine!!!! All bcos u were trying to be a good parent n take Ur kid to storytime n borrow some books for them!!! It made me feel so upset n discouraged to ever go to the library again cause being a single parent, working part time, to receive such a hefty fine was truly unfair n unreasonable simply bcos I chose to take my kid to the library for a few hrs!! So parents beware if u r attending this library, of the parking...

*Reviewed at time when all facilities are not yet finished. There is a working lift. The lights are bright enough to illuminate but not overwhelmingly so. The space between shelves and tables is enough for 2 average people side by side. The floors are squeaky. It can get noisy.

Visually stunning, intellectually mesmerising, and socially bustling, this is a place I will be eager to spend hours in - whether for studying, reading, writing, or hanging out with friends. My rating is positive because it is a wonderful facility and serves as a fantastic community centre, the loss of a star is due to the presently unfinished nature of the building and the difficulty I had navigating it.

The community centre is a three story building with multiple functions, though its primary one appears to be a library. The first floor contains a returns and check-out system for books, along with multiple selections of books. Towards the back end of the first floor is the children's section, including an enclosed play area (with, I believe, relatively sound-proof walls). Along with these are meeting rooms that can, presumably, be booked for 1-4 people.

The second floor also contains multiple selections of books, from young adult to adult fiction, including a fairly massive collection of manga and visual novels. The second floor is also a study floor - there are several tables that overlook the first floor with charging ports and single seats. Further towards the manga corner are about 7 wall-separated tables, also with charging ports, though there is a barrier towards the front and so there is no first floor view from this location. Towards the front is the Belmont museum, which as always astounds and delights.

Oh! And there's a whole public sink with plastic cups on both floors! Along with male, female, and uni-sex toilets. The uni-sex toilets have...

This new and modernised community centre is a very pleasant place to be in. There are cafe, library and museum. A various programs and rooms are available in the library for kids and adults alike to utilise. A quite room is also available for meditation or prayer. There is also a small play room for little children.

The little museum upstairs is a great addition to the hub and provides a glimpse to the past and history of Belmont City. Small kids also can do some fun activities in the museum.

Overall, a nice getaway in the middle...