Description

Established in 1854 and spanning an entire city block, State Library Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world. Housing a combination of contemporary and historic spaces, the Library is brought together by 23 architecturally-designed buildings.

The Library is known for its collection, which began at 3,846 volumes and, over the past 168 years, has amounted to more than five million items, including books, manuscripts, serials, photographs, artworks, maps, ephemera and more.

The Library is constantly evolving, with an ambitious collection digitisation program, as well as events and exhibitions that reach new audiences every day.

What's On

Explore Australia's oldest public library and the third busiest library in the world. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD and spanning an entire city block, State Library Victoria houses a combination of contemporary and historical spaces, from the original reading room in the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall to a children’s castle in the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter.   

Journey through the library’s bright and modern spaces from the Vision 2020 redevelopment, visit the iconic heritage reading rooms dating back to 1856, wander through exhibitions, and uncover the hidden gems within the collections and spaces.

Enjoy an opportunity to read up on Melbourne’s heritage buildings with two dedicated book displays in the La Trobe Reading Room and Redmond Barry Reading Room, specially curated for Open House Melbourne weekend. From Ned Kelly’s armour to a LEGO model of the Library, or from rare books to portrait galleries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.