Woollahra Library at Double Bay's 10th Birthday
Woollahra Library at Double Bay Turns 10
May 2026 ten years since Woollahra Library at Double Bay opened its doors, quickly becoming one of the most visited community spaces in the area. Designed by BVN Architects, the light-filled building spans three levels and features lush greenery, welcoming reading spaces and quiet nooks for discovery. Located in the heart of Double Bay, the library quickly became a place for reading, study, events and connection.
The impact was immediate. In its first year alone, loans jumped by 58 per cent compared with the library’s former home at St Brigid’s in Blackburn Gardens. Visitor numbers nearly tripled, and what had once seen around 400 visitors a day soon welcomed as many as 2,500 people through the doors.
Today, around 500,000 people visit the library each year. Borrowing has also evolved alongside changing reading habits. Physical borrowing remains strong, while digital lending of eBooks, eAudiobooks and other online content continues to grow.
Membership has grown from just over 11,000 members before the move to more than 21,000 active members today. While the building and technology have evolved over the past decade, the commitment of library staff to welcoming readers, learners and curious visitors of all ages remains the same. Ten years on, Woollahra Library at Double Bay continues to connect people with ideas, stories and each other.
To celebrate this milestone, we are sharing stories, events and special initiatives throughout the year that highlight everything the library offers our community.
10th Birthday Celebration Events
Join us as we celebrate ten years of Woollahra Library at Double Bay with a special community celebration in Kiaora Place. The festivities will include live entertainment, family activities and collaborations with local businesses as we mark this milestone together.
As part of the celebration, we are also holding a special 10th Birthday Book Fair featuring a wide selection of pre-loved books. It’s a great opportunity to pick up something new to read while supporting your local library.
View celebration and book fair details
Give the Gift of a Library Card
To celebrate our tenth birthday, we’re inviting library members to share the gift of the library with someone new.
How it works
- Pick up a Gift of the Library referral card at the library.
- Write your name and library card number on the back before giving it to a friend or family member.
- When they join the library, they hand the card to staff at the service desk.
- Both the referrer and the new member will receive one entry into a special prize draw.
Prize draw
At the end of May, two winners will be drawn: one referring member and one new member. Each will receive a Kobo Clara Colour eReader.
It’s a simple way to introduce someone to everything the library offers.
Explore More
As part of our 10th birthday celebrations, we are sharing a series of stories inspired by the number ten. From surprising things you can borrow to favourite library experiences, these articles highlight just some of the many ways our community uses and enjoys Woollahra Libraries.
This series will grow throughout the year as we celebrate everything the library offers. We’d also love to hear from you. Share a favourite library memory, discovery or moment with us and we may feature it as part of the celebration.
Have a story or idea to share? Send us a birthday message or memory at library@woollahra.nsw.gov.au.