Tucked inside the spiralling timber 'bird's nest' that anchors Darling Square, this City of Sydney library spreads over two light-filled floors in Haymarket with a dedicated children's area, free Storytime and a hands-on makerspace. It's free, weatherproof and ringed by Darling Square's casual eateries — an easy reset on a hot or rainy city day.

Why We Love It

• A bright children's area built for sprawling picture books, low shelving and room for little ones to settle in across two storeys.

• Free Storytime, Rhymetime and singing sessions regular weekly programs that turn a quiet errand into a toddler outing.

• A makerspace for older kids to tinker the ideas lab runs 3D printing, a laser cutter, robotics and crafts.

• The Kengo Kuma architecture is half the fun the woven-timber 'hive' is a talking point in its own right, and it costs nothing to wander in.

• Over 30,000 items and free wifi plenty to borrow, plus comfortable spaces to read and study between Darling Harbour and Chinatown.