State Library

Slipping through time’s portal, we stand before the State Library of Victoria. A grand dame of knowledge, she has witnessed Melbourne’s transformation from a fledgling settlement to a bustling metropolis. Established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, the State Library of Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free libraries worldwide. The State Library of Victoria stands proudly on Swanston Street, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, on the same site where it first opened its doors. Imagine the countless footsteps that have echoed through these halls since 1856. The library we see today is a composite of approximately two dozen buildings, each whispering tales of different eras. Inside the State Library of Victoria, the magnificent La Trobe Reading Room awaits. This iconic domed chamber, opened in 1913, stands 34.75 meters tall, its octagonal space originally designed to house over a million books and 600 readers. Today, it holds 32,000 books and accommodates 320 readers. Peek up to admire the oculus, nearly 5 meters wide, a beacon of natural light illuminating the knowledge below. Our journey through the State Library of Victoria takes us to the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall. This grand hall, initially opened in 1856 as the library’s first reading room, has played many roles. It served as the home of the Industrial and Technological Museum from 1915 to 1969, before being restored to its original purpose. Today, it not only provides a space for quiet study and houses Victorian young adult literature, but also transforms into a vibrant venue for special events after hours. The State Library of Victoria also boasts a significant collection of over 1.2 million photographs, many of which have been digitized. Did you know that the State Library of Victoria is one of the largest exhibiting libraries in the world? The “Mirror of the World: Books and Ideas” and “The Changing Face of Victoria” exhibitions offer glimpses into the library’s rich collections and the stories they tell. As we conclude our tour of the State Library of Victoria, consider the countless stories held within these walls. It is a testament to the power of knowledge, a place where the past and present intertwine, and a beacon of learning for generations to come.