Fiction
There is something for everyone including classics, literary fiction, genre fiction and current bestsellers.
Paperbacks
The paperback collection consists of mainly genre fiction including crime, fantasy, historical, romance, horror, science fiction and thrillers.
Graphic Novels
Graphic novels are novels that contain sequential graphic art, formerly known as comics.
Large Print
The large print collection is primarily used by people who have difficulty reading print of standard size. The majority of the collection is fiction.
Magazines
The latest copy of each magazine is for use in the library only. Older copies may be borrowed.
Newspapers
The daily newspapers are available at each library. Ask at the main desk.
Talking Books
Talking books are recorded books, either on tape or compact disc. They are popular with people who would rather listen to stories being read or who have a visual impairment.
DVDs
The DVD collection is one of the most popular. It includes classic movies, television shows and documentaries. Please note that some DVDs can only be played on a multi-zone player.
CDs
Another popular collection covering a wide range of music.
Local History Collection
There are local history collections at North Melbourne and East Melbourne Libraries. Most items may only be used in the libraries.
Melbourne Library Service also has special collections for children, young adults, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) users and English language learners.
Collections for Children
- Reference
- Nonfiction
- Board books – for babies and toddlers
- Picture books – for young children
- Easy readers – for children beginning to read
- Fiction
- Magazines (East Melbourne and North Melbourne only)
- Talking books
- DVDs
- CDs
- CD ROMs
Collections for Young Adults
- Fiction
- Magazines
- Zines – small, self-published, often hand-made publications. Currently at City Library only. City Library also hosts a zine club called City Library Street Press.
- Graphic novels
- Talking books
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Collections
- Chinese
- Indonesian (City Library only)
- Italian (North Melbourne only)
- Spanish (North Melbourne only)
- Vietnamese
- Hindi (City Library only)
These collections include books magazines, newspapers, DVDs and CDs. There are also collections for children.
English Language Learning Collection
A collection for those learning English as a second language or for those wishing to improve their literacy skills.
