Friends Room
If you become a Friend of the Library, you can use this beautiful heritage lounge to read and relax.
About the Friends Room
Located on Ground floor in the Mitchell Library building, the Friends Room started life as the original Mitchell Reading Room and opened to the public in 1910.
Now refurbished, the room resembles an intimate, historic club, with its bespoke furniture and soft furnishings. Nestled in the heart of the CBD, it's a haven in which to relax, read or catch up with friends.
Lead-lined cabinets along the walls house Dr Ben Haneman's collection of 1100 editions of Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes. The collection, which Haneman gathered over 30 years, includes hundreds of additional works by the Spanish author.
On the floor of the Friends Room, hand-knotted rugs from Cadry's Carpets feature a selection of art deco designs by Florence Broadhurst.
Who can use the Friends Room
You must be a Friend of the Library to use this room.
Become a Friend of the Library