The state library having undergone a multi million dollar renovation really brought together the historical heart of the library alongside more new and modern rooms. It looks absolutely stunning in all the group, private, reading arenas it looks spectacular.Computer area looks modern, sleek, and spacious with plenty of modern facilities.
Fantastic library. Had just undergone a huge multi-million dollar renovation. With new spaces and meeting rooms for the public. The large main library is a Victorian masterpiece and is well worth a visit. Love this place to work and study. Right in the centre of town, so also we’ll located for all the city has to offer.
A library is built on dreams and ideas. Add a beautiful reading room, and a world class collection, and you have a thoughtful and exciting library. If youre traveling with the kids check out Ned Kellys armour and rifle. And a great display of his exploits. Worth a long visit. If youre not locked down.
This is one of the most iconic historic sites in Melbourne!!! Also one of the first iconic landmarks which I stick around when I first came to this city...it has a lot of stories, very beautiful architecture, its also a museum and lots of stories about Ned Kelly!!! Super highly recommended this place and I love it!!!!
Am a library fanatic. The architecture of this library is just beyond words. The photos dont do it justice. Definitely a must visit place if exploring Melbourne especially if youre into libraries and museums etc. The collections inside are fascinating and one can easily be lost in the grandeur for a couple of hours.
I’m so glad I came and explored the public library because the architecture is just stunning. The library features a rich catalogue of literature to browse as well as showcasing some stunning art. I would definitely recommend a wander to the top floor to view the dome and the beautiful design elements in that room.
State Library of Victoria was one of the first free public library in the world when it opened in 1856, still remains a great place to study or just spend some time. Definitely check the LaTrobe Reading room and Ned Kelly’s original armour kept in the library. Heaps of books are available to read or browse in the library.
The Dome is so grand its worth sitting there to read and soak up the atmosphere. Old wooden furniture and comfy seats. It does get a bit noisy though with so many tourists so not ideal for serious study. There are other great rooms for studying. Lots of power points to plug a laptop in. Toilets were a little far from the study areas.
State Library of Victoria a combination of outstanding architecture and rich history, despite lower traffic, still a fantastic place to visit or spend some quiet time. Plenty of books are available to browse or borrow. The arts exhibitions on the 1st floor is equally stunning!!
Place where you can do anything you want from playing games, study, seeing the art collections and enjoy the heritage building.
Beautiful library, generously open and staffed by a great team of people.Its a traditional library and so much more. Exhibitions, galleries, work spaces, chess club, historical displays and a few random curios like the Shakespeare stained glass window.Architecturally, a wonderful study and so much of the interior is accessible.Cafe, book store and toilets all available. Wheelchair accessible too.
Great place for a comfy and quiet reading environment.
Very quiet and calm. The coffee shops and gift shops are away from the books and study area. The floors and furniture creak a small bit but it has such a wide open floor plan, you will not be bothered. I do hope I am able to visit again. There is stained glass to discover too. Keep an eye out for it. Keep your voice down too
Cool place. But be quite, as there are real students who is actually studying in the library. It’s nice but not too tourist friendly tbh. Ha-ha. Anyway great experience! Nice architecture and design.
Reopened after repairs, looking forward to a long time today finally arrived!The inner environment is very large, the space is very wide, simple and bright.Center observation deck, visual effects are very good, very powerful!Personally, the only thing that is not enough is the collection of books in no other language...
A must see if you are interested in Ned Kelly or the history of Melbourne. Various articles throughout to step you back in time and see what Melbourne looked like a 100 or so years ago. There are also lots of opportunities to use the place to study or pull up chair of course and do some reading. Busy place.
This is really amazing library with perfect environment and ambiance for you do research, study and discussion. They provide a high speed wifi and power point for your devices.Very spacious and comfortable. Lockers are free for user.
Photo opportunity! This library is housed in one of Melbournes most photogenic heritage buildings. It is worth taking the lift up to level 4 then walking up to levels 5-6 to snap the dome. Tristan the volunteer guide on level 4 was super helpful in giving advice as to where good photos can be taken.Study opportunity! There are plenty of desks for people to read and study. There are over 2 million items in the library collection, with roughly 20 percent available on site (there is roughly a 24 hour turn around for off site items). Note, this is not a borrowing library; all books must remain in the building. Overall, it is a great place for a casual visit or study - well worth visiting for either.
I just love this place! if you are really looking for a place for more content, books and an isolated place where you can concentrate and just work, this is the place. Infact libraries are all like that.
Located just 100m away from Melbourne central station. The entrance is through the Russel St. The book collection is good. One can use the computers there or just take your laptop and study. You dont want to buy books of different topics then this is the place for you. Also, you will find really good exhibitions and tours. Go and enjoy this beautiful place.
Closed for an unimaginable long period of time since 2003, the Ian Potter Queens Hall has reopened in December 2019.Supported by towering columns this light-filled hall has been beautifully restored and tastefully furnished. In particular the skylights, which prior to the latest renovations, were painted over.A mezzanine level includes a significant chess and bridge collection. It is staggering the number of books on each of these - for example eight bookcases contain books solely on chess.There are also a few pics of the La Trobe Reading Room / Reference Library.
This place is incredible! Easily one of my favourite pieces of architecture. Highly recommend you to check it out if you are a architecture fan.
Firstly, it’s a beautiful library. Secondly, it maintains a good library decorum for everyone who’s looking for a quiet spot to study or work despite the crowd coming in just to appreciate its beauty.
Great library. Huge collection and lots of space to read and study. If you are visiting, check The Dome, enjoy the museum about the World of the Book and dont miss the small art gallery. Remember to be quiet (its a library after all) and take a pic from level 6 of the Dome.
For me cant imagine Melbourne without the state library. Great coffee in the cafe, Ned Kellys armour on display (in a library, weird but New York Public Library was gifted Winnie-the-Pooh), a chess room, which is nice given the resurgence in chess, and lots of space with power points, good light, decent free wifi. The statue outside has the library sinking into the ground but its probably never been more popular.
A historic building adapts to modern necessities. It counts with several areas.
Nice showing on Boxing day.Beautiful and unique ❤ I liked.Thanks !
Beautiful building with great facilities inside. It has great free exhibition as part of the community program. The special books exhibition was simply amazing. At times it can get crowded and noisy but most of the times it is quite good and conducive to learning and studying. Well worth a visit if in Melbourne
This place is amazing. We didnt go for the books per se but for checking out the dome and all the items they displayed. The old books and papers were so awesome. The dome was so beautiful.
The Victoria State Library was one of the highlights of my trip to Melbourne. There are free exhibits and the building itself is simply stunning!
A great place to study and work within the CBD. There are plenty of seats all around the library. The dome in particular is a favourite of many people. Although, it can get a bit loud at times.
Must see in Melbourne. Very easy to travel to because its right across Melbourne Central. Super stunning and enjoyable whether you want to sit in a quiet space and study or look around at architecture
Beautiful library that I wish I could go to every day. Really the Reading Room is the highlight of anyone’s visit so take your time walking around the floor and then going up to the various levels to see the exhibits and to take in the view. Staff is very friendly and helpful in explaining the history and resources within the library.I would definitely recommend a stop here to see what a real library looks like! Enjoy!
I love the renovations, not having visited since before Covid. Its so light and airy and welcoming! The staff member who assisted me was friendly and so helpful. Its a lovely building with so much to explore.
My favorite place in the city ♥️ the amount of book collections is jaw-dropping. Very accessible, just right in front of the Melbourne Central Station
Its a library and when I go to a library, I snap pictures with silent mode on of course!!
Its finally open again after the revamp and its money well spent.Its a completely new building!Ned Kellys armour is still exhibited here.
A perfect place to be. You can read books, play chess, search links on the computer or visit the art gallery. For adults, children and young people. You can enjoy the architectural view.
Elegant and beautifully maintained reading room. Easy access using trams or walking (at the top end of Swanston Street). The special exhibitions are hidden gems and change regularly. Amazing items of historical significance (eg. illuminated manuscripts and artworks) are often on display. Free and highly recommended.
Spectacular outlook with openness to public visit, dome like central structure with octagon like design, hybrids modern with tradition. Library helpers were friendly and helpful. Deserve to spend half day burning time to read in this insightful architecture
Perfect for student, secure and clean spot in the middle of the CBD
Great building just to enjoy walking around. Enjoyed the free exhibits, and great to see the Ashes urn.
This is a review for the tour of the State Library, not the facilities itself, per se. We signed up for the free Dome to Catacombs tour (please be courteous and do the library a favor and sign up in advance online...). The tour gives you the history of the building and a little about Melbourne itself, plus we got to go behind the scenes and see where the library keeps special collections, rare books, and even their old card catalogue! Everything in their collection can be requested by anyone, which is amazing. Highly recommend going on the tour!
Its amazing design 🤩
A landmark of Melbourne. The state library is deeply connected to the culture of Melbourne, it is often decorated based on certain events the city runs.The library is open to all during business hours and has a large range of books and other media available for viewing and borrowing. Anybody with a Victorian address cam borrow a book free of charge.
The State Library of Victoria is not only a nice building plus library, but also hosts some exhibitions. Here you can see very old books from 800 that where hand-copied or the bible from the time of Gutenberg book-printing. Very lovely are also the short clips about some of the library treasures and the old paintings. The library includes a pretty coffee shop and an area where magazines and neswpaper can be read. The access to the library and to its wifi is free of charge.
Beautiful place to sit down and study. The staff are kind and numourious power plugs are available for charging phones and laptops. They also have a museum area with a display of Ned Kellys armour.Would recommend for everyone to visit at least once in their lives.
A beautiful ornate library with plenty to see and do. Regular exhibitions are held like the Ned Kelly seize and aftermath, including the “Royal Commission” after the Glenrowan event. These exhibitions and talks are free to participate in and you can use the Libraries web site to register.The genealogy society is located in the building, along with a reading room. The reading room is located under the dome and is a beautiful venue.Friendly staff will direct you when you enter the building from the Swanston Street entrance and you will find a number of new initiatives instigated by the library provided to the people and visitors of Melbourne.
The best public library that I have ever been to! Very historical and an amazing selection of books. The reference section has a very extensive amount of resources that should help with almost any research. The life sized chess in the front of the library was very nice to see. There truely is something for everyone at this library.
Waiting in front is mesmerising
This library is absolutely amazing and has all the facilities you need be it for study, finding books or even playing a game of giant chess out the front!
Really an informative and resourceful place to learn and study in total peace.
This library is fantastic..the structure and the design is great..both outside and inside..but i feel sorry for people who is using the library for read and study since this library is also one of the tourists attraction..i hope the government could find a win win solution,both for tourists and the library members
Please dont visit unless youre very interested because even tho you try to be quite youre not. Big groups of tourists make this place unsuitable for university students
Great night show 2 days before xmas
The grandeur and architecture is quite magical. Also, the top floor view of the reading room is impressive.The exhibitions of old manuscripts is equally interesting as well, housing items such as healing scrolls.
Awesome architectural masterpiece with many different reading rooms, any book magazine or newspaper you might want and internet access and free wifi. Clean toilets. Accessible. Many different displays to explore around the dome for Victorias history. A must visit for Melbourne. #letsguide
Not only a library but also a gallery full of art works. Had a pleasant experience!
Wow just wow! This library makes you want to read read read!!! Plus the Iron Velvet Ashes exhibit was beautifully put together!
Didn’t spend much time here because of tight schedule. Love its architecture, could’ve spent the whole afternoon sitting there.
A great building because its not just a library but theres also art galleries and they have free wifi too. And its really nice to just sit on the grass in front of the library or we can play giants chess. And not forgetting the books! Theres just so many of them! Lovin it!
So much to love here. See all the other reviews. Could we please have a smoke-free forecourt?
This has got to be the best library I have ever seen. Not only a number of exhibits there are also many old books and literature. Architecture and Victorian furniture is amazing.
Amazing!!! Great place to study and it has such a calm environment.
I love this place, it is also near to my hotel. Its a Melbourne landmark and cultural icon, the State Library is a magnificent 19th-century building with some of the city’s most beautiful heritage interiors.
Its a fairly well stocked library, with plenty of space for one to read up on stuff or just spend time on their laptop. Its well air conditioned, with special laptop desks equipped with attachments for ergonomics. The lawn outside is perfect for a stretch or a breather too. My only quip is how busy it can get and how crowded it sometimes gets that it can be suffocating.
Local hang out. They place large plastic chess pieces for people to play ( 2 sets) always a crowd on the grass. Might see the pigeon guy who surrounds himself with bin scabs and lets pigeons flock all over him for a bird massage, or if your lucky see a skateboarding teenager fly off his board, letting it roll down the street hitting a woman and nearly get beat up from her boyfriend..good times!
Amazing building so much history and a perfect view from the top deck
In December 2019 the front half was reopened. It is now light filled and reveals aspects of the original design
This library is amazing! All book lovers will be at paradise. Its incredible to see so much books of all generations, the decor will bring you to another planet and you find yourself being like a writer..Enjoy this chance to have access to this knowledge.. Its wonderful!
An architectural beauty set in the heart of Melbourne City.We walked to the library as we wanted to get our membership set up for the library and access the online e books.We were wowed by the regal beauty of the building. One thing we found tough was navigating our pram to the entrance. The ramp to push up our pram was located at an obscure corner.When we entered the premises, the fine architecture caught our eyes. The children reading section was very cosy and we spent our time reading there for a whole afternoon.We will definitely come back again.
Truly lovely building, great service, love the architecture. Fast WiFi
A beautiful quiet space to escape the hubbub of the city. See the La Trobe Reading Room, its a beautiful space with a glass dome, but chairs in the Redmond Barry are more comfortable. Also free wifi!
Decent looking place. Big and chill
Very nice place,highly recommended to visit it.
Beautiful old Melbourne building. Worth a visit.
State Library Victoria: I was there as well, but I didnt go into the library today. But I think its still quite a nice building to go inside. I was actually on the Swanston Street end of the State Library.
A must-see in Melbourne city! You get to read to your hearts content and there are exhibitions for you to visit! Great place with great atmosphere!
Large state library with good design.
Amazing structural design and owesome place to study.
One of the best library in Victoria.They provide great facilities, the staff are helpful and friendly.Also, they have a good selection of the daily newspapers and the latest magazines.
Took few good pictures, try to come on weekdays. Lift so slow and so many stairs.
Amazing building, good study spaces. Get in early for the best spots.
Great views inside. Didn’t have time to see the stacks though but the museum collection is interesting.
Gorgeous Building, plenty of Australian History and Australian texts all around. Free art exhibitions, free wifi and plenty of space to wander.
The renovations have helped a lot, its given more reading rooms and space to work and the collection of books is great to read, you could stay here and browse for weeks becasuse there is so many to choose from.
Amazing place! Beautiful building. Even had paintings and photography.
Great library. love it. came here for a couple of times.
- Address:328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- Site:https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/
- Phone:+61 3 8664 7000
- Public library
- Art gallery
- Library
- Tourist attraction
- Monday:10AM–6PM
- Tuesday:10AM–6PM
- Wednesday:10AM–6PM
- Thursday:10AM–6PM
- Friday:10AM–6PM
- Saturday:10AM–6PM
- Sunday:10AM–6PM