Campbelltown Library

FOXTEL, iPads, areas that allow teenagers to listen to music and conference rooms open until 11pm - libraries are evolving into one of the coolest places for kids to hang out.

Hi-tech features are increasingly being added to attract teenagers once reluctant to frequent services with a reputation of being quiet and boring.

At the forefront of the innovation is the Campbelltown Library at Newton, which includes a "magic tree" that uses audio and visual technology to create effects from starry nights to bright pink ripples and sounds like birds singing as children read.

An outdoor reading area is another recent feature.

Library services manager Ursula Hickey said the north-eastern suburbs book hub had grown in popularity, especially among teens, since the new look was unveiled in September.

"Teenagers can be noisy, they can watch Foxtel and listen to music or they can sit quietly and study," she said. "It's the type of thing a lot of libraries are making small moves towards."



Architecture firm DesignInc Adelaide managing director Richard Stafford, whose business created the new look at Newton, said bookstore cafes have had a significant influence on the change in community libraries.

"There was a time when you couldn't eat or talk in libraries and now you can do both," he said.

Sam Jonas, 15, liked a library where you could "make a bit of noise".

"I usually go to do research for school projects, but I think it's cool you can use technology and not be scared to make a little bit of noise."