Latest update – October 2025

Kew Library is getting an upgrade

We're writing a new chapter for Kew Library by making much-needed upgrades to the existing library building from early 2026 to early 2027. The upgrades will modernise the space to create a better experience for library visitors.

The Kew Library upgrade delivers on our:

• Boroondara Library Services Plan 2020-25 and
• our overarching strategy, the Boroondara Community Plan 2021-2031.

Refreshing our book collection

You may notice parts of our collection being removed as we prepare for the upgrade. We regularly refresh our collections, so they stay current, useful and in good condition. We also remove items which are damaged or no longer in demand and replace them with new items. Removed items are placed on trolleys for the public to take or donated to local community organisations.

Additional weeding is happening at Kew to prepare for the temporary closure, so we don’t store items that won’t be needed in future. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just ask one of our friendly library staff – we’re here to help.

Kew Library Master Plan

We're developing a long-term master plan to help guide the future of Kew Library and deliver on what’s important to our community.

The master plan will guide the creation of a modern library that connects with the surrounding precinct, parkland and streetscape, making it a destination point for the community.

We’re working with an architect to develop a draft master plan and will share this with the community for feedback in mid-2026.

Community consultation

In August and September 2023, we consulted our community to understand the community’s preferences for different features in a modern library. These insights are helping us plan the library’s upgrade.

We heard from 271 people through our online survey and in our drop-in sessions.

• 47% of people who responded to the survey lived in Kew and 12% lived in Kew East.
• 69% of people who responded to the survey were members of Kew Library.
• We heard from 66% women, 26% men, 1% self-described and 7% preferred not to answer.
• The age groups most represented were 35-49 years and 50-59 years.

Preferred features and spaces

We asked our community to tell us what features and spaces they consider most important. We provided a list of 10 features and asked participants to rank their top 5 preferences.

• 79% want study and remote workspaces
• 66% want program and activity spaces
• 60% want places to learn, try something new and create
• 49% want multi-purpose spaces for large groups or individual study or work
• 46% want a café
• 44% want meeting rooms
• 41% want programs in Alexandra Gardens
• 41% want art and exhibition spaces
• 37% want consulting rooms for community groups
• 24% want kitchen facilities
• 5% want something other than what was listed.

We also checked in to make sure the views and aspirations for Kew Library we had heard in 2017 were still relevant. Most participants agreed or strongly agreed they were still important.

This Vision and Design Brief 2023 was shared with the community as part of the consultation.

Our community also told us they want:

• a range of flexible spaces accommodating different community needs
• outstanding architecture and design
• an accessible and inclusive library
• spaces for children and young people
• view and/or access to the gardens and surrounds
• book collections
• quiet and peaceful spaces
• art and culture representation
• a library that is environmentally sustainable
• technology for now and the future
• cost concerns considered.

You can download the full Community Engagement Summary below: