Thirty-five metres above you a glass dome soars. Sunlight floods the La Trobe Reading Room. This is the State Library of Victoria’s stunning architectural masterpiece. It’s a breathtaking space. The La Trobe Reading Room opened in 1913. It celebrated the library’s 50th anniversary. It was once considered the largest reinforced concrete dome in the world.
The La Trobe Reading Room wasn’t always so bright. Initially designed on panopticon principles a librarian would sit on a central platform. Their job was to enforce silence. Imagine the hush. Today the platform is empty. Noise is sometimes a problem. I find it easier to concentrate with some background hum.
The La Trobe Reading Room isn’t just beautiful. It houses the library’s extensive Australiana collection. Over 150000 items detail Victoria’s cultural and social history. These include books manuscripts periodicals and rare maps. They line shelves radiating from the room’s centre. Custom-built silky oak desks provide a romantic setting for study.
This magnificent room is more than just a library. It’s a meeting place. It’s a creative space. People meet partners here. Authors scholars and comedians find inspiration. The La Trobe Reading Room has even been featured on television shows. Restoration Australia Who Do You Think You Are and Postcards have all filmed here. The La Trobe Reading Room captures hearts. It continues to inspire. It remains a Melbourne landmark a testament to the city’s love of books. It is a jewel in the Australian City of Literature.