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Friends Room

Woman reading newspaper in well furnished room

The Friends Room is on the ground floor of the historic Mitchell Library building.

The recently refurbished Friends Room started its life as the original Mitchell Reading Room and was opened to the public in 1910. It now resembles an intimate club with a historic ambience nestled in the heart of the CBD, complete with bespoke furniture and soft furnishings. It's a haven in the city to relax, read, and catch up with friends. 

Dr Haneman’s extraordinary, quirky collection of 1,100 editions of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote still lines the walls in its splendid lead-lined cabinetry.  The exquisite hand-knotted rugs from Cadry's Carpets are from a selection of iconic art deco designs by Florence Broadhurst.

Please note, you need to be a Friend of the Library in order to use this room.