As a little girl the library symbolised to me an endless exploration of magical stories and exciting books. I was always overwhelmed with joy whenever I could spend an afternoon in the library discovering new stories and finding new things.

In primary school the class held in the library, where we got to relax on comfortable cushions, find books, and listen to our teacher read was by far my favourite class.

In high school the library represented to me a place to spend stormy lunchtimes while gossiping with friends and laughing as we flicked through risqué books. It was also a place I enjoyed doing my homework. It always felt safe and warm.

These days I never go into public libraries, but I love bookstores and can spend hours of the afternoon reading a diverse variety of stories and books.

Now that I am at university, the RMIT Carlton library is by far my favourite library that the university offers. I only discovered it last year when I had a class on the cardigan street building, and it really does encapsulate that cosy, quiet, knowledge and discovery filled space. During last semester I liked coming here after class to relax and work. For someone like me who adores books so much there is nothing quite like that feeling that you are surrounded by hundreds of them, it’s oddly comforting to know you can escape your reality and I mere yourself in a different world in so many different ways.

These are some photographs that sort of represent what the library means to me

Comfy couches and lounging area

Kind and warm librarians

Endless books