Use this travel guide to find the Green Square Library in Sydney, Australia. Australia is a paradise for photography enthusiasts and social media enthusiasts alike. So many picture-perfect spots in the country make it hard to resist taking a snap.
Commonly called the most Instagrammable spot in Australia, the rainbow wall at Green Square Library is a must-photo destination.
Directions to finding the iconic Rainbow Reading Room at the Green Square Library
Below are precise instructions on how to find the rainbow wall of books in the Rainbow Reading Room at Green Square Library.
In Sydney, we struggled to locate the library and the rainbow wall at Green Square Library. We found the address, but there were no clear directions to the rainbow reading room online. Read our Sydney travel guide for more information on things to do in Sydney.
Even though we had difficulty finding it, that was part of the fun. We felt like we were on an adventure looking for this random wall of colorful books. It was worth the effort, as we’ve never seen anything like it.
The local librarian at Green Square Library told us that all of the employees/librarians at the underground library came up with the idea. They worked tirelessly to complete the project, which took several months!
1. Look for two giant glass structures on Botany Road
Green Square Library is a gorgeous underground public library in Green Square town centre. It houses over 40,000 books! When you get to the Green Square Library, you’ll see a bright and colorful outside that shows what’s inside.
Address of Green Square Library, Sydney
The Rainbow Reading Room is at 355 Botany Rd, Zetland NSW 2017, Australia. Sydney’s public transportation makes it very easy to get there.
You can take a train or bus to Green Square Station, five stops from Sydney’s Central Station. From the station, you can walk for around 10-15 minutes to reach the library. Read our Australia travel guide for more information on what to do in Australia.
Map of Green Square Library
As you step through the ground-level doors, the world of literary wonder and visual delight will transport you. The Rainbow Reading Room at Green Square Library is a colorful place for book lovers and social media fans.
Book colors range from dark purple to light purple, light blue to dark blue, bright yellow, green, red, pink, light yellow, and light green. I counted 18 different book colors on the wall at Green Square Library. Let me know if you get a different number in the comments below.
Considered one of the most Instagrammable places in Sydney.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves adorn the room, each filled with a diverse collection of books spanning various genres and topics. The shelves organize books by their spine colors, creating a mesmerizing rainbow effect.
An urban living room
The architect Stewart Hollenstein designed Green Square Library as an urban living room for the city’s people. A circular garden sinks in the middle of the library’s underground layout.
To the East, a square platform rises to form a bookshelf tower. The library displays shapes, including circles, squares, and triangles.
2. Go to the shorter of the two glass buildings to find Green Square Library
Two structures above ground level make up the above ground portion of the library. Go inside the doors to the library of the shorter structure.
3. Go inside and take the steps down to this secret underground library
The Green Square Library is one of the most interesting libraries I’ve encountered. If Indiana Jones and James Bond collaborated to make a library, Green Square Library would be their creation. Each hallway and room is designed with gadgets and cubbies. Even the bathrooms operate on push button doors.
Walking ahead to find the elevators, once you stop admiring the library and get to the basement, left. They’re located just beyond the circular garden area.
4. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor of Green Square Library
The elevators are located close to the bathrooms.
Taking the elevator to the second floor puts you inside the taller of the two glass buildings that make up Green Square Library. There isn’t a way to enter this building (where the Reading Room and rainbow wall of books are) without going through the elevator.
However, if you have the proper credentials and perhaps an electronic library card, you can access the taller building from the ground level. As non-residents of NSW, we did not have the proper credentials or electronic key card to enter the tall building for a quicker way to access the Rainbow Reading Room.
5. Find the Reading Room with the rainbow colored wall of books
The wall of rainbow books at the Green Square Library is one of the most popular places for a perfect Instagram shot. Called the “rainbow reading room”, this lovely place in Sydney, Australia, is a sanctuary for bookworms and Instagram enthusiasts.
To find it, hang a left once you step off the elevator. There are stairs in front of you to the third and fourth floors. Don’t go up there. Take the left and you’ll be inside your destination: the Rainbow Reading Room.
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Tips to take your Instagram photo in the Green Square Library
Below are some helpful tips on what to do once you finally find the Rainbow Reading Room at Green Square Library.
1. Prepare Your Props and Outfit
The Rainbow Reading Room at Green Square Library is famous for its colorful book wall, so it’s best to prepare colorful props and wear vibrant outfits. Bring your favorite colorful books, a bouquet, or a rainbow umbrella.
Wearing white or bright-colored clothes can also help you stand out in the vibrant setting. Remember to wear comfortable shoes since you might need to stand while waiting your turn for a photo.
2. Timing is Crucial
The Rainbow Reading Room at Green Square Library tends to get crowded, so it’s best to time your visit on a weekday or early morning.
Don’t wait long in line for a photo, especially if you have other places to visit in Sydney. Also, avoid visiting during peak hours, like lunchtime or after work, when the library gets busy with visitors.
3. Find a cozy spot and read in the rainbow reading room
The Rainbow Reading Room at Green Square Library has many cozy spots for reading or taking photos. A great place to relax and enjoy a book.
Sit on a comfy chair with pretty pillows and lose yourself in a good book. Sit by the window, enjoy the sun, and read books to explore the world of literature.
4. Finding the best spot for an Instagram photo
Finding the perfect spot to capture that Instagram-worthy shot is a breeze in this enchanting space. The large windows that line one side of the library bathe the room in natural light. The soft glow of the sunlight illuminates the room, casting a warm and inviting ambiance.
5. Use Creative Angles and Shooting Techniques
Using creative angles and shooting techniques is the best way to capture the perfect photo in the Rainbow Reading Room at Green Square Library.
One of the most popular angles is to take the picture from above, where you can see the colorful book wall spreading out beneath. The rainbow wall of books a valid focal point for any photographer.
You can also take a photo lying on the floor or sitting on the stairs, making for a unique shot. In addition, try different shooting techniques, like HDR, filters, or portrait mode, to enhance the photos’ colors and details.
6. Don’t be embarrassed
Don’t be afraid to take photos at Green Square Library. When we were there, students and locals studying were accustomed to it.
If you cannot find the rainbow wall, the librarians will show you how to. They are helpful and proud of their library.
7. Be on time
Below are some helpful tips, including library hours and information on what to do nearby.
Library operating hours
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
- Monday through Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
Explore the Surrounding Area
The building looks impressive with its modern design, open public space, and innovative architecture.
Remember to explore nearby attractions including Green Square Library Plaza. Green Square is a bustling suburb with many cafes, shops, and parks worth visiting.
You can also take a short walk to Joynton Park, which has an impressive playground, fitness equipment, and a picnic area. Exploring the area can also give you a better sense of Sydney’s culture and vibe.
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Other activities at Green Square Library
The library offers a range of activities and events for those seeking a more interactive experience. From book clubs and author talks to creative writing workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Check the library’s website or social media pages for the latest updates on upcoming events.
What are you waiting for?
If you love books or taking photos, visit the Rainbow Reading Room at Green Square Library in Sydney. Bring your camera and a book, and explore this hidden gem that will inspire you and create lasting memories. I hope you enjoyed learning how to find the Reading Room at Green Square Library. I know you love it as much as our family did.