The City Library on Flinders Lane is about to turn a new page, and relocate to a new home on Bourke Street. This new library will span over 1,200 square metres across three floors inside the former Commonwealth Bank Building. Located within a redeveloped City Village, this relocation will be funded and delivered over the next two years. When it is complete, you will eventually find it at 225 Bourke Street.
City Library moving to Bourke Street
The heritage-listed building was constructed between 1939 and 1941, and was one of the largest projects in Melbourne at the time. Standing at 11 storeys tall, Commonwealth Bank occupied the lower floors, with federal government departments located in the rest of the building. It was acquired by Melbourne City Council in 1988, and is now in need of refurbishment.
Around $13 million over two years is expected to be invested, in order to bring the City Library to its new home. The library will occupy three levels, with room to grow. Meanwhile, the upper levels will be used by the community, with new meeting spaces, family health services and a revamped City Gallery.
“This project will deliver one of the most important new civic buildings in our city for more than a decade – creating a new home for City Library in a permanent Council owned building,” said Lord Mayor Nick Reece. “We are converting one of Melbourne’s historic buildings into a state-of-the-art modern library, building a new civic heart for our city and making our community stronger.”
Relocating the City Library to Bourke Street is part of the City of Melbourne’s Civic Precinct Renewal Project. This project is a long-term plan to revitalise three council administrative buildings, with plans to add more community space, and create modern workplaces for Council staff.
“This investment will deliver a bigger, modern City Library and create new spaces for learning, connection and essential community services, ensuring residents have access to the facilities they need now and into the future,” said Infrastructure portfolio deputy head Council Rafael Camillo.
Can you still visit the library on Flinders Lane?
Right now, yes. The lease for the location on Flinders Lane is set to end in June 2028, giving the Council enough time to design the new space, refurbish the building and move to the new location.
This particular library on Flinders Lane has served Melbourne for over 20 years, and only recently had its own revamp, which was completed in late 2024. The renewed Flinders Lane Library had modified the first floor to create more study space and bookable meeting rooms, with a new reading lounge on the mezzanine level, as well as a new look for the children’s section.
The library is open:
- Monday to Thursday – 9am to 7pm
- Friday – 9am to 6pm
- Saturday – 10am to 4pm
- Sunday – 12pm to 4pm
For more details about libraries in the City of Melbourne, click here. To read more about the relocation, click here.
