Melbourne Athenaeum Library

Founded in 1839, the Melbourne Athenaeum is an art and culture hub located above the Atheneum Theatre on Collins Street. The library is like a semi-secret reading room. Here, you’ll find quality new releases and classics and one of Victoria’s best crime fiction collections. As well as the enormous book collection, the library also hosts a program of events and book clubs throughout the year. There is a modest membership fee attached ($30-$99), but it’s worth it – you’ll feel like the member of a thoroughly civilised private club from yesteryear.