State Library of Victoria : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
- |
Located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, the State Library of Victoria is one of the oldest public libraries in the country and the oldest library in the state of Victoria. Founded in 1854 and officially opened in 1856, the library is home to more than two million books as well as a wide assortment of manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, digital recordings, maps, and works of art. With its impressive history, fascinating architecture, and a vast selection of materials, the State Library of Victoria has something for everyone. Whether you are an avid reader, a student, or simply looking for a place to explore, the State Library of Victoria has something for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore some interesting facts, information, and travel tips related to the State Library of Victoria.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About State Library of Victoria
1. The State Library of Victoria holds the largest collection of monographs in Australia.
2. The building of the State Library of Victoria was designed in 1856 by architect Joseph Reed.
3. The State Library is the hub of the Spark! community network which provides access to over 16.5 million digital and physical books, videos and periodicals.
4. The Dome Reading Room was the first reading room in the world to use a system of close-shelving stacks.
5. The State Library holds the largest collection of newspapers from Australia and the rest of the world.
6. The State Library’s La Trobe Reading Room houses one of the largest collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives in Australia.
7. In 2018 the State Library of Victoria signed a 5-year partnership with RMIT University to collaborate on research and education initiatives.
8. The State Library’s historic Queen’s Hall has been used as a venue since 1916 for various music, theatre and other cultural events.
9. In 2019 the State Library of Victoria hosted over 600 ‘Meet-ups’, free events for the community to come together and explore different topics and ideas.
10. The State Library of Victoria also houses the first prototype of the Apple-1 computer. The prototype was loaned to the Library and is now permanently housed in the archives of the library.
History & Information About State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is a public library located in the centre of Melbourne, Victoria. It was founded in 1854, making it Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world.
As the main library of the state of Victoria, the State Library holds more than two million items across a range of collections including books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps, photographs, audio and video recordings and digital resources. It has a large research and reference library, plus an extensive collection of printed materials, including rare books, material relating to Victoria’s unique cultural and natural heritage, and an extensive collection of international Indigenous material.
The library is divided into two separate but interconnected sections: the older ‘Heritage’ section and the newer ‘Creative Arts’ section. The ‘Heritage’ section houses rare material such as archives and manuscripts, Indigenous material, legal and historical material, maps, photographs, audio visual material and publications (including Victorian Gazettes). The ‘Creative Arts’ section includes books, periodicals and multimedia relating to the visual and performing arts, literature, language and culture.
The Library offers public access to computers and other technology services, and hosts a range of events, exhibitions and educational activities. It has a number of reading room areas, including an ‘AV Room’ devoted to films and television programs, and a Children’s Library with books and resources suitable for younger readers.
The State Library is open to all members of the public, and is free to use.
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Travel Guide For Visiting State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is the oldest, largest and busiest public library in Australia and one of the earliest libraries established in Victoria. It is located on the northern edge of Melbourne’s central business district, in the heart of Little Italy.
The library offers a great range of activities and services as well as an impressive collection of books, journals, magazines and manuscripts. The library houses an extensive collection of Australian and international resources, audio-visual materials, archival material and digital resources.
The library is open Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Entry is free.
Things to Do at the State Library of Victoria
• Explore the library’s vast collection. The library houses an extensive range of material including books, manuscripts, journals and magazines.
• Attend a public lecture in the magnificent La Trobe reading room, which takes place regularly.
• Visit the historic Ian Potter Centre, home to some of Australia’s finest art works.
• Take part in a guided tour of the library and learn about the extensive and unique collection of books, manuscripts and resources.
• Listen to the grand pipe organ in one of the buildings.
• Use one of the computer labs in the library and take advantage of the free internet.
• Purchase souvenirs and gifts from the library gift shop.
• Enjoy a snack or light lunch at one of the cafes inside the library.
• Attend one of the library’s special events or exhibitions.
• Browse or borrow books from the library’s extensive collection.
• Take advantage of the library’s free online resources.
• Utilise the library’s expertise in research and reference services.
• Borrow digital materials from the library’s collection.
• Take part in free events such as talks, workshops and screenings.
• Participate in one of the library’s regular family activities.
The State Library of Victoria is a great way to explore the history and culture of Melbourne. With its extensive collections, special events and activities, it is sure to offer something for everyone.
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Frequently Asked Questions About State Library of Victoria
Q. Where is the State Library of Victoria located?
A. The State Library of Victoria is located in the heart of the city on the corner of La Trobe Street and Swanston Street, Melbourne.
Q. What type of library is the State Library of Victoria?
A: The State Library of Victoria is a public reference library, providing access to a vast collection of materials, including books and digital resources.
Q. What services does the State Library of Victoria provide?
A: The State Library of Victoria provides a wide range of services including lending, digital resources, online collections, exhibitions, learning resources, and research support.
Q. What are the opening hours for the State Library of Victoria?
A: The State Library of Victoria is open every day from 10am-6pm. On Sundays it is open from 12pm-5pm.