Whether it's the neoclassical grandeur of the State Library or something more modest, there are plenty of places in Melbourne where you can work remotely for free. Photo: James Ross/AAP
The ability to work remotely is a privilege, but that doesn't mean it can't become a grind if you're cooped up in a small apartment all day.
Fortunately, working from home doesn't always have to mean sitting at the same desk or dining table.
For me, a working day can include three or four locations, starting at home before cycling to a nearby cafe to work over breakfast, heading to one of Melbourne's city libraries in the morning, before settling into my actual office after lunch before noon. .
The number of co-working spaces - paid or free - opening in the city is growing, according to Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp.
"The pace of the city continues to evolve and we will always welcome co-working spaces that offer greater flexibility for workers and businesses," Capp told Guardian Australia.
So, where are the best places to get a free desk in central Melbourne? We took a look at the market.
The Grand Old Lady: Victoria State Library
Score: 8/10It's probably no surprise that libraries dominate the list of places you can work for free, and they don't come much bigger than the Victoria State Library.
With its famous domed reading room, SLV increased its seating capacity by 70% in 2019; it can now accommodate almost 2,000 employees per day, which could be useful as more than a third of employees continue to work remotely.
But that's a lot of foot traffic, and one of the disadvantages of the State Library is that it is a victim of its own popularity. The high, curvy ceiling and bookish atmosphere may focus the brain, but you may find yourself accidentally clicking Insta photos by tourists marveling at the library's grand neoclassical design.
Be prepared to navigate the crowds and don't leave your computer unattended.
Capacity: office space for 1,964 people.
Facilities: free WiFi, free public computers, free bookable meeting rooms with presentation screens, free creative technology/software/audio studios and free assistive technology. The library also has printers, copiers, scanners, two cafes and a bookstore.
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Related: The number of remote workers is falling, but skills shortages could delay the full return to Australian offices
Relaxing space with fantastic views: Library at the Dock
Score: 9/10If you want something more intimate and modern, the Library at the Dock overlooking the Victoria Harbor Promenade (and the ill-fated Southern Star Ferris wheel) is an excellent workspace.
There are many different zones here, but my personal favorite is the second floor overlooking the harbour, where you can work from relaxing lounge chairs. Downstairs looks more like a traditional library with tables between the bookshelves. Library at the Dock encourages social working: you may not get complete silence, but there is a friendly atmosphere and you can put on headphones if you need to.
If you need a break from work, there's table tennis and a makerspace with sewing machines, badge-making equipment, 3D printers and an embroidery station.
All in all a beautiful, relaxed modern library with some of the best views of Melbourne's Docklands promenades.
Capacity: not huge, but normally it's not hard to find space. Seats approximately 80 people, spread across the ground floor reading area, quiet study and scattered tables on the second floor.
Additional facilities available: free Wi-Fi, affordable bookable conference rooms, loaner laptops, gallery and exhibition spaces, a recording studio, creative editing suites, a kids' area, plus charging stations with adapters for all popular phones.
Overall Winner: Narrm Ngarrgu Library
Score: 10/10Central Melbourne's first new library in 10 years features three floors of well-appointed workspaces, Indigenous art throughout and a children's library.
Opened in November, the comfortable, ergonomic desk space shows that Narrm Ngarrgu (pronounced nahrrm narr-GUW, meaning Melbourne Knowledge in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language), was set up with remote workers in mind. It has the feel of a well-positioned modern office - with a bustling buzz around you - overlooking the Queen Victoria Market in the north of the city.
The space is distinguished by its artistic design, featuring a series of integrated works inspired by Australian native animals, by Indigenous artist Maree Clarke, and curated displays. These help create a creative, vibrant atmosphere.
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Capacity: the library can comfortably accommodate 100 people, including 40 in the reading corner on level 1 and 30 in the quiet study room. There are also tables and chairs spread throughout the library.
Additional facilities available: WiFi, 10 computers with public access, 24 loaner laptops, roof garden, podcasting studio, 3D printers, sewing machines, laser and vinyl cutting machines.
Some sun in the city: Federation Square
Score: 6/10If you're looking to get out of the library and into the sun, weather permitting, Federation Square offers the opportunity to work remotely in the heart of the CBD.
Working outside may not be for everyone, but there's something distinctly urbane about firing off emails while kicking back in one of the sun loungers (some with shade) on the monumental square.
There is also seating in the foyer of the ACMI (fencing museum), which is designed to provide comfortable nooks and crannies for the public.
However, Fed Square probably works best as a central location to meet colleagues in a relaxed informal atmosphere to discuss ideas, or to get small tasks done between other appointments around town.
Capacity: in the thousands for live events, but for work there are about 40 outdoor seats (which can be placed under umbrellas). About 50 people can work within ACMI, and there are several other corners and café tables in the square that can be used as workspace.
Additional facilities available: WiFi, public toilets, drinking fountains and a prayer room.
Disco vibes: Victorian Pride Centre
Score: 8/10Feel part of the hustle and bustle of a thriving community, complete with a gay disco soundtrack from Joy FM upstairs.
The Victorian Pride Center offers four free stalls downstairs (you'll need to arrive early to get one), a long shared communal desk and other small tables and benches.
Don't expect silence here, but the community atmosphere can be a nice change from slogging away at home. Please note that this is an LGBTIQ+ space, so you must at least be an ally of the queer community to work here.
There are also paid co-working facilities upstairs for those who prefer a more permanent arrangement.
Capacity: About 40 people can work comfortably in the free co-working space downstairs.
Additional facilities available: the free desks downstairs are not equipped with facilities such as printing or meeting rooms. The paid space upstairs offers much more, including adjustable desks, printing and scanning facilities, soundproof cubicles, lockers, a kitchenette and a shower.
The café option - tell us your favorite
All Melburnians have a favorite cafe; and remote working gives us the opportunity to break up our day by combining work and pleasure.
Etiquette dictates that you must order food if you are staying for more than about half an hour.
Some of my favorites to work in are Sorci E Morci in St Kilda (the back room is ideal for working on laptops), the CBD's Journal café and Mr Tulk (close to the State Library) or, inland, south of Johnson.
Let us know your favorite place to work remotely for free in Melbourne - whether it's a cafe, a library or something else - by commenting below.
