Free reading

For a free read, it's hard to go past Sydney's libraries. For the artistically inclined reader, the Art Gallery of NSW's Research Library & Archive has an incredible selection of, you guessed it, art books and some very comfy couches. Go to Customs House Library in the Rocks if you'd like to peruse international newspapers in a comfy loungeroom setting.

Join the State Library for zero clams, and peruse the impressive selection. They're not a lending facility, but the Macquarie Street building makes for a great reading environment. If you're under 35, we suggest joining the State Library's SL U35 club, where you'll be entitled to advance notification of their many free talks and events.

Speaking of which, Sydney Writers' Festivalplays host to a huge range of free talks. Bookcrossing is the global free book swapping craze. And for those who want books to be theirs not just for free but for keeps, check out Google Books  for out-of-copyright editions to read at your leisure.

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