History of the Library Tour- State Library Victoria

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Mon 09 Oct 2023 - Thu 30 Nov 2023

The first stage of the State Library of Victoria was built in 1854. It is the oldest public library in Australia and was one of the first free libraries in the world. It represents more than a century and a half of Melbourne’s rich and vibrant history and it’s offering the public an opportunity to have a free guided tour of this heritage treasure. You don’t have to love books to want to see this. You will visit the heritage Latrobe Reading Room and Redmond Barry Reading Room, the galleries and the Ian Potter Queens Hall.


Marvel at the octagonal-shaped, heritage, Latrobe Reading Room and Dome Gallery, which was originally opened in 1913. Imagine the size of this. Designed to house over a million books and 600 readers, it rises to six levels, with level six offering amazing views of the reading room below.

The heritage Redmond Barry Reading Room was built in 1893. Its use has changed over time. It started as the Industrial and Technological Museum and was the National Museum of Victoria from 1899 to 1997. A wide-open space with a mezzanine, all flanked by rows of arched windows and bathed in the light from a full-length skylight.

Walk in the footsteps of generations past in the Ian Potter Queens Hall. Opened in 1856, this was the original reading room. It was renovated in recent years and 2019 it became a mixed-use study space and houses Victoria Young Adult literature. Picture a marble staircase, an arched room two levels high with filigree-patterned skylights, rows of ornate columns and chandeliers.


Here’s what you need to know to join the tour:
Where: State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Meet in the Nansen Hall.
When: 9th October to 30th November 2023. 10:45am to 11:45am and 1:45pm to 2:45pm, most days. Bookings are essential.
Duration: One hour
Cost: Free
Group Size: Tours are limited to 10 people each.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
OnLine Bookings: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/history-library-tour Scroll down to choose your preferred time and day.
Telephone: (03) 8664 7000
Email: [email protected]
Library Website: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/


WANT TO SEE MORE OF MELBOURNE'S HERITAGE?
If this gets you hooked on seeing more of Melbourne’s splendid heritage spaces, you might like:
Tours of Melbourne’s iconic Melbourne Town Hall and Royal Exhibition Buildings.
Tours of the Shrine of Remembrance.
To visit one or all of the Nine National Trust Properties in Melbourne.

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