Visit Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter
The Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter is a free, purpose-built space for children up to 12 years and their parents and carers!
Spanning two floors, the ground level caters for younger children featuring reading nooks, play areas and craft makings, while the Castle offers a range of graphic novels and board games for kids 8 to 12 years.
The space offers a range of areas and activities tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, primary schoolers and pre-teens. Including our browsing collection of more than 4000 children's books featuring picture books, community languages, non-fiction and junior titles.
Children are welcome to enjoy a small snack and drink when visiting the Children’s Quarter. Our family facilities include low-sensory nursing nooks, baby change tables, child-height and adult toilets and pram parking.
Programs & events
Children up to 12 years of age and their families can participate in a range of free drop-in activities, programs and events offered daily!
We aim to inspire children to develop a love of stories, engaging with their imaginations and curiosity as they learn through play, craft and reading. Families can enjoy a variety of fun and exciting activities which support their child’s learning and connection to community.
- Daily drop-in play-based and craft activities (Mon, Wed and Fri: 11am-1pm / Tues, Thurs and weekends: 3pm-5pm)
- Regular Baby Bounce, Toddler Tales and Storytime sessions on Monday and Wednesday
- School holiday programs and performances
- Seasonal installations celebrating Australian authors and illustrators.
Browse all programs suitable for families and for the young ones in your life!
Family-friendly features
Enter the Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter from the Quad on Level 2 (ground floor).
The space includes these features:
- two-storey children's castle
- over 4000 children's books for browsing
- bookie monster return trolley
- reading nooks and play areas
- makerspace for creative play
- family room with baby change and breastfeeding facilities
- toilets for both children and adults
- pram parking
- Library staff and activity facilitators
- lift access between ground and Castle floors
- food and drink for children.
Visitor guidelines
The Library is a child safe organisation. Children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult at all times when visiting the Library.
Parents or carers may allow older children to be in the castle on their own; however, they retain duty of care and must stay within the Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter while their child is there.
We ask that visitors adhere to the following guidelines when visiting the Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter:
- always supervise children in your care
- avoid taking photos of children not in your care
- behave in ways that are safe and respectful to other families
- take care of our space, collections and materials by tidying and returning items
- always keep pathways clear and belongings with you
- children may enjoy small snacks and drink (no hot items or high allergens – ie.nuts).
