Latest update – January 2026
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.
Temporary library at Kew Court House
The library will close from 5.00 pm Sunday 1 March 2026 and is expected to reopen in early 2027. A temporary site will be available at Kew Court House.
Find out more.
Here you’ll still be able to bowse a limited collection, borrow and return items, collect reservations and take part in community programs.
You can also visit our other 5 library branches in Ashburton, Balwyn, Camberwell, Greythorn or Hawthorn. Members can access a huge range of free online resources, from eBooks to audiobooks, online newspapers and magazines, streaming movies, TV shows and more.
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.
Who we heard from
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.
What we heard
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.
What else is important?
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:
