West Torrens Library Service

Came here for the ‘Taste of Indonesia’ evening, and so glad that my friend booked me in.
Apparently I should have booked earlier, and they managed to squeeze us in.
It was held at the auditorium and there were hot finger food on offer. There were more than enough for a taste and the ‘chef’ had done a great job with spring roll and seafood fritters, and then the yummy well marinated chicken.
Then there were Indonesian cakes! Wow the kueh dardar were great, they were still warm when placed on the table! They were gone in flat 2 seconds. There were a good selection of local cakes of sorts. Very well catered food wise. Well done.
Now to the music, the angklung which originated from West Java made of bamboo generated a very beautiful unique sounds. They ladies who were immaculately dressed in sarong kebaya did a great job on the angklungs and they played a wide selection of music from Australian favourites to children rhymes to Indonesian national tune with a bit of Latin American thrown in. A lot of us swayed to the music n hummed n clapped, a lot of audience participation for sure. It was a fun evening for young n old.
In between the brackets of music, Ibu Annie showed us different types of batik n she even brought her mother’s fine embroided top.
In another section, she showed us the hand cut leather puppets which were used for shadow puppet shows and a 3 dimensional puppet as well. She gave us a brief insight and history of puppet shows.
Overall, it was a definitely well presented cultural introduction of Indonesia.
The next scheduled cultural introduction will be on Africa, stay tuned as it will be sometime in September!
Check on their website and keep an eye out for it!
Don’t forget to check out their free movie nights on offer, the next one is ‘the book thief’, if you haven’t seen it, please go along to check it out, worth a couple of idle hours.

Hands down the best library I have been to in Adelaide.
The facility is new and looks clean. woot.
There are a range of services here not just books (although the main drawcard for me). They have wifi (free) scanning, 20c per page and reasonable printing and computer use. Book ahead if you are planning on using the computers.
Another great service is the Justice of the peace, they are normally there 10am and 4pm mon-​fri, but just make sure you call you call ahead to check the times they’ll be in. Each time I’ve been in the JP has been friendly helpful, and not ready to churn you out like a few in the busy city offices.
The Books: Well laid out and a good range of books. They also have books in many different languages to cater for their multi-​cultural clientele also good for those learning a new language, These include Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Persian/​Farsi, Polish, Serbian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. There are also a few DVDs etc in varying languages.
Which brings me to DVDs, I had forgotten Libraries did this, inexpensive DVDs! they also have wii games. I just have to get a wii.
Other handy features, a toy library, and a different area for silence, which is nice, no more stereotypical walking around the aisles ssshhing you.
On top of all the items they offer a HUGE range of great services, English classes, computer classes, internet classes, along with bubs and cubs movies, singing classes, gardening time with your kids. For older kids there’s homework help and reading clubs.
On top of all this there are English classes for adults (along with a free crèche for kids too young for school whilst you’re at the class), and Adult movie nights (free!)
I would recommend booking for most events to ensure you get a spot.

As one enters into the West Torrens Library a feeling of calm and peace washes over you. The architect’s use of natural light is brilliant (pun intended). The high ceilings and glass everywhere make this one of the top 5 most beautiful libraries I have visited (in competition with multiple libraries across the globe).
I used to bicycle here when I lived in Torrensville. The hours are as posted, but I could never seem to remember them. more often than not I ended up getting here right after they closed. When I was able to get in, the staff were friendly and very kind to this foreigner.
The selection of books was amazing. Seemed to me that they had new books that I never heard of, but enjoyed reading. The music and video collection I recall being extensive and broad.

…Otherwise known as West Torrens Library.
A+
A fabulous and well-​loved community hub. Free WiFi, toy rentals, language kits, a community bulletin board, a jp, a copy centre and a quiet study area… all within an attractive, bright building. Outstanding!
Large collection of books (not to turn this into a pissing contest, but for context the Hamra Centre Library is far larger than any of the city libraries).
The brand new books tend to be enticing. The website leaves a lot to be desired.
Why snuggle up with a good book… when you can have so many new encounters?