State Library of Victoria

Corner Swanston and Latrobe Streets, MELBOURNE
Phone: (03) 8664 7000
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The State Library of Victoria is the major reference and research library in Victoria. It opened in 1856 and is one of Australia's oldest cultural institutions. The library building is one of Melbourne's most distinctive landmarks.

As Victoria's major public reference and research library it is responsible for collecting and preserving Victoria's documentary heritage, and making it available through a range of services, exhibitions and public programs.

The Library comprises 17 buildings covering an entire city block, an area of approximately seven acres. In 1990 an extensive building redevelopment program began which has seen the refurbishment of the Library's magnificent heritage architectural features, such as the Domed Reading Room. The Library maintains strong links with the statewide public library network and is an active member of peak industry bodies, including the Council of Australian State Libraries and the Australian Library and Information Industry Association.

Our Collection

The Library opened with a collection of 3,846 volumes and currently holds more than two million books and serials and one of Australia's largest newspaper collections. The Library also holds collections of maps, manuscripts, letters, photographs, memorablia, pictures and other artworks, including a collection of artists books and other items.

The collections represent a major national resource, which is continually expanding through purchase, donation, bequest and legal deposit.