Inclusive Libraries

We show our respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country, Elders past and present, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Wollongong City Libraries has several resources and programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This includes Dharawal language books that can be used in our reference section or borrowed.

Please ask our staff for help finding Aboriginal collection items.

Wollongong City Council has more information and support for Aboriginal Communities.

Useful Links:

Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation was founded in 1980 to assist all Aboriginal people who had been directly affected by past government policies; being separated from their families and culture through forced removal, being fostered, adopted or raised in institutions.

We're working to make our libraries easier to access for people with disability.

We've included information about building access, parking and toilets with details for each library location.

We also have collections, equipment and services to support people with disability. For details see our Support for People with Disability page.

Our libraries have plenty of resources to help older people enjoy our collections, services and activities, including:

• Our home library service
• Flexible membership options, including assisted borrowing or home delivery of your borrowed items
• Large print books at all library locations
• Regular sessions to help you learn new skills and use technology: see our Programs for Older People page for upcoming activities.

Many of our staff have also completed dementia awareness training and may be able to assist customers and their carers who are living with dementia.

Talk to our staff if you'd like to know more, or if you need support to enjoy using the library.

We have a range of resources and activities for our CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities.

See our Multicultural Services page for more details.

Wollongong City Libraries are a proud member of ACON’s Welcome Here project, and are safe spaces for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Our libraries hold inclusive events and talks during Pride Month, and at other times throughout the year. Check our events calendar to find upcoming activities.

Additional services can be found in the Local LGBTI Support Directory.

We welcome people who are homeless, sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation to use our libraries and take part in library activities.

Stay as long as you like

You're welcome to stay in our libraries as long as you like during opening hours. We ask that you follow the same rules that apply to everyone using our libraries.

If you need to sleep, you're also welcome to find a quiet space in the library to rest.

Use library resources

While you're in the library, you can browse our collections, read newspapers, or use our computers and internet.

All of our libraries also have public toilet facilities. Please note though, we don't have showers.

Become a library member

We can organise memberships for people who don’t have a permanent address. Visit one of our libraries for more information or to sign up.

Make sure you read and agree to the membership terms and conditions before you join.

Local support services

Our libraries regularly take part in collection drives for local services that assist homeless people.

Wollongong Homeless Hub can also give you help and advice if you're homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Ask Izzy

Ask Izzy is a directory for people who are homeless or in crisis to find housing, meals, support services and more.

We recognise that mental health issues affect many people in our community.

A staff member from each of our library locations has been trained in mental health first aid and is available to be called upon by staff if a customer is perceived to be having any difficulties.

While our librarians are not mental health professionals, we're happy to help direct people to information and directories to find local support services. Talk to staff at your library if you'd like to know more.

All of libraries are breastfeeding friendly. We do not have separate rooms for breastfeeding, but we welcome nursing mothers.