New Ballarat Library facility and services

The redevelopment of the Ballarat Library includes an expansion of the second level of the building, a new entrance, purpose-built teaching areas, quiet areas, open space, as well as specialised children and family areas. 

View or download the Redeveloped Ballarat Library factsheet to learn more about this project.

Quirky new building facts

• The building uses as many natural products as possible, to keep the footprint as neutral as possible
• The main library floor is called Marmoleum. It is a natural material made from linseed oil
• The carpet squares in high traffic areas are made from natural goat hair fibres
• The lighting around the perimeter of the building has in-built sensors so lights turn themselves off where enough natural light is detected, as an energy saving feature
• All the lighting is sensor controlled and turns off when no movement is detected for a period of time
• The community kitchen includes a low-energy use induction stove top and natural stone benchtop
• Filament for the 3D printers in the Maker Space is a natural corn starch/sugar cane derivative, so it is biodegradable. Any waste filament will be thermally processed to be used in other products, such as chopping boards, by arrangement with Ballarat Hacker Space.

The Ballarat Library will retain its car park. There are metered carparks nearby, where you can utilise your free hour per day of parking. This includes 34 new car parks created by Market Street. 

The recent upgrades at Market Street include two new pedestrian crossings making it safer for Ballarat Library users to cross the street to access facilities.

Library staff will be operating a reduced programming schedule for a few months to allow Library staff to continue setting up at the new facility – as such, some programs that community members regularly attend may not be running during this time.  

For up-to-date information about programs and events, visit the Ballarat Library Humanitx page. 

For up-to-date information about the Storytime program, visit the Central Highlands Libraries website. 

Yes, you can access computers and WiFi services at the Ballarat Library.  

Yes, you can return library books to the Ballarat Library at Doveton Street. However, the afterhours return chutes have moved. They are now located at the new entrance to the Library, closest to the Gov Hub and Civic Hall precinct.  

Yes, public toilets and baby change facilities are available at the Ballarat Library. 

Address: 190 Doveton Street North, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Email: library@centralhighlandslibraries.org.au 
Phone:  5338 6850