“We’ve observed that young people are drawn to the State Library not only to study but also for the atmosphere and access to digital tools.”

Some libraries go all out at exam time to change perceptions. They stage yoga sessions to de-stress students, put on free webinars, and offer snacks, pizzas, and even head and shoulder massages.

NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon says her reading rooms are full late into the night.

“I love to hear students referring to the State Library as simply ‘state’,” she says. “They clearly feel at home here, which means a great deal to me.”

At a time when students and their families are feeling a lot of pressure, the State Library of NSW provides a comfortable, safe, free place that is open when students need it, NSW Arts Minister John Graham says.

“The [State Library of NSW] is always open,” says 18-year-old Florence Bala-Milroy, a student at Sydney’s Blackwattle Bay Secondary College. “The late opening hours are a drawcard. There’s lots of space and I can always sit with someone I know.”

Bala-Milroy uses the message chat group “State Library Grind”. “I find it hard to focus on my own, I’m more motivated here,” she says. “You can chat to someone who does the same subject as you, whether they’re from your school or not. I feel at home here, know the people who work here and know where the resources are.”

Ava Pullen, 17, from Sydney’s Ascham School, has been coming to the state library after school on most days since the end of year 11.

“It’s really important during the Higher School Certificate to have a space outside of your home – your bedroom should be separate from your studies,” she says.

‘A wonderful space’

In Melbourne, high school student Haneef Abubaker has visited the State Library Victoria three days a week during the current school holidays. “It’s a wonderful space to study as it has many open facilities for different types of people including uni students, secondary students, and even children below the age of 10.”

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says her city’s libraries have seen an 18 per cent increase visitors since 2023.

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No longer are they simply quiet spaces to house and read books. City of Sydney’s newest library, Darling Square, houses a “maker space” with 3D printers, precision drills, power tools, and equipment for designers, engineers, innovators and others to use. Meanwhile, Green Square offers natural light, a sunken garden and amphitheatre, comfortable study spaces, nooks for reading, private study rooms with screens and an Instagram-worthy rainbow wall.

“We have dedicated collections of interest to young people,” says Moore. “These include young adult fiction, young adult graphic novels, a high school collection with the latest study aides, a zine collection, online research and homework databases and ebooks and audiobooks.

“Members can also borrow musical instruments, games, retro consoles and maker kits.”

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