Queenstown Public Library - 53 Margaret Dr

Still the nostalgic feel of the old library. There’s a nice coffee place at the corner too.

Huge nice library along a quite street great for a nice day to chill and do some quiet reading

TL;DR: An anomaly, and a sanctuary. Love their "Memories" wall along the stairs. Good collection. REVIEW: An anomaly because it's a bridge between the past and present, the old and the unbuilt ultra-modern. There's nothing left in the area of the old pre-millenium era, but Queenstown library still stands, proud. A sanctuary because once inside, it's so tranquil- try the reading room upstairs, towards the back of the library. ? Their collections are also pretty good- I can get books here not found in other libraries. Also nostalgic, I remember library cards (the tiny "folders", remember?), card catalogs pre-dating the OPAC, the activities they used to host for kids at the library. WISH: This is the oldest public library and the only library to be in URA’s conserved building list. I hope the powers-that-be realise what a historical gem this is, and don't demolish it in the name of "renewal". You can't "renew" our society's rich past. ? I mean its a part of the Queenstown heritage trail!

Book I intended to borrow wasn’t on the shelf (although the NLB app had indicated that it was available) but the helpful staff were able to find it although they had some trouble at first. Interior looks dated. Kind of feels like being thrown back in time. But that’s okay!

Happy 51st Birthday to My Best Queenstown Library! We all love and thank you! ❤️

The opposite housing estate has solved the challenge of finding a nearby parking lot. It is more convenient to visit this library now. The small cafe in the library is a bonus.

On the location. The library is out of the way, in a tucked away area behind forbidding residential buildings. Without Google Maps, you probably would have trouble finding the place. Further, when I asked around for directions from passers-by, they only mumbled and could not conceive a clear idea of where it was. Selection of books There are only two stories in the rectangular building. A limited selection of books. Even as a book lover I could not find anything suitable to bring home with me. Eateries nearby This was the deal-!43breaker for me. The supposedly open cafe attested by Google Maps on the first floor was closed for renovation. Hungry and dispirited I trudged my way around the estate after seeking advice (but finding none) on where to eat from a worker at the library. Study area There was ample study area on the second level that provided students a conducive environment to study (though some were using their phones). Behind the library is a green space of forested area, that was nice to look out to I suppose. A lesson Wouldn’t go back there. Pointing a finger to myself though, maybe I hadn’t researched enough about the location of the place and eateries nearby, before venturing onto the unbeaten path without my phone. In that respect I have only myself to blame. Well, do with my experience what you will and discern the right choice for yourself.

Awesome library, along a quiet street - perfect place for an escapade from city affairs. Dated interior adds to the nostalgic atmosphere. Only snag is - the early closing time. Would be perfect if it closes at 10/11pm, for a wind down visit followed by a stroll home just in time for bed