State Library Of Victoria

I love this place! My friend brought me here knowing that I love books. The library has a lot of sections which includes an exhibit of paintings and other forms of arts.
The best part however (in my own opinion) is the Reading Dome… the first time I saw it I was speechless and I just kept on smiling. I don’t know why but it reminded me of Harry Potter, lol. I’ve seen a lot of people taking photos, which is unusual in a library but you’ll understand why when you actually see it for yourself.
Anyway, the place was quiet and very ideal for studying (or sleeping). The chairs are big enough to keep you comfortable. Also, there are built-​in book stands so you can read comfortably (I only found out about this during my second visit). Almost, if not all, areas have charging ports. And to all tech-​savvy people, they have free wifi so you can immediately upload your beautiful photos of the place.

This library is beautiful. I was in here a bit to get some work done (and to use the computer/​wifi one day when I had forgotten my phone). There’s free wifi, which was good enough for me. There are always a lot of people, but it’s not uncomfortably crowded. The location is very central — I spent a lot of time around here during my stay in Melbourne. There are also sometimes musicians outside, which is always a plus. It’s just a great place to relax or work.

While I was on holidays in Melbourne I visited the State Library of Victoria just for the architecture. It is breathtaking. I’m a photographer so this place was an absolute must visit while I was in town. I didn’t realise it before visiting, but you can head up the stairs to the top floor for the best views of the place. I took photos from lots of different angles and easily spent an hour or so here just walking around, snapping shots and enjoying the quiet.

This State Library is pretty dope. Located at La Trobe & Swanston it’s in the free team zone and near a strip of colleges including La Trobe University I’m guessing. Now from the front this library doesn’t look as big as you’d think. It’s 6 floors due to the dome in the main reading room, La Trobe.
Getting a library card is hassle free, present an ID and something with your address if you’re a temporary resident or resident outright. Now this library is not a lending facility so you read and research all in house.
Aside from books there is computer access and wifi but my connection was buggin’. Good thing though because there are a couple of dedicated levels that are museum like with ancient books, a cool advertisement section about Holden Motors, and about the Aboriginals. There are also exhibition rooms with nice paintings some classic, some contemporary, and some historical.
I recommend really walking around and read something in the La Trobe Reading Room.

The awesome collections worth the trip in for a library card, nd the place is always lively and humming an excellent place to learn or just soak up the atmosphere!

Para una bibliotecaria, visitar bibliotecas como esta es una experiencia estupenda. Bibliotecas para todo el mundo, con espacios enormes, salones increíbles, salas de lectura, despachos para reuniones, wifi gratuito, ordenadores de uso público… tiene además muchas exposiciones sobre la historia de Melbourne y Australia y el salón principal es espectacular.

Head to the 4^th floor to reach the stairs for the 6^th. It’s the best view of the library dome. breathtaking architecture. (5^th floor also has some nice angles to photograph). makes me want to go on a world tour of beautiful libraries. each of the levels has finely curated exhibits/​showcases, covering aus history, graphic novels, high and low art. also get your free wifi and A/​c as you plan your next stop.
the free trolley stops right in front of the building and it’s only a few big city blocks from the outdoor market.

I love this place… so much history, art and culture under one roof.
Make sure you go through to the LaTrobe Reading room and the free exhibitions that surround it’s dome over many levels.

The State Library of Victoria is just incredible and, dare I say, my absolute favorite thing about Melbourne. It’s gorgeous. The first time that I walked into the La Trobe reading room, it was all I could do to stand in absolute awe of how beautiful the long walls of books and the brilliant glass ceiling was. As a foreign traveller, the exhibits were not only intriguing but also introduced me to elements of Victorian history that I otherwise would not have been exposed to. The wifi is actually pretty good speed given that it’s open to the public and there’s a great café right next door for when studying starts to make one a bit sleepy and unfocused.
This place is a treasure and I will miss it dearly when I go home!

Of all the museums and great architectures in Melbourne, the State Library seems to be the most underappreciated. I’m no better before I was here — I loved NGV, ACMI and I even went all the way to ACCA, and the only reason I stepped into the State Library was to lure some free wifi.
Of course it ended up attracting me in all different ways and I stayed literally hours inside walking through all the hallways. The central hall, the spiral stairway, the mini exhibitions around the library, the jade-​coloured lamps… it has all the elements of a very classy library but also all the most updated and convenient facilities (wifi, well, for instance).

Beautiful library with rotating art galleries and exhibitions. Wifi could be a bit dodgy. Great for people watching, opposed to studying, since conversational decibel levels are never regulated here. Lockers for rent are located in the front, which could be convenient, given its central location.

The library is a great place to visit and of course you can peruse books from a wide range of authors including yours truly. There is also a great range of newspapers from across the globe and the art collection is a must experience.
Ned Kellies armour and death mask are one of the more ghoulish exhibits but is very popular.

This place is gorgeous and to think it is free to the public is just insane.
Walked by here and there was a ton of people just hanging around this area and having a good time. Did not really walked around but would had if I knew that the architecture is so amazing when I saw the show «Running Man» which was also film in this location. However, perfect timing since there was a FREE Rome Exhibition going on and had a chance to look at a look of art work that is on architecture, which was a treat.
Nice place to just come to and sit around and relax.

In 1854, Sir Redmond Barry established the Melbourne Public Library. He wanted a place where the world’s knowledge and information would be freely available to the residents of the growing colony of Victoria regardless of their status or resources. He wanted a ‘People’s University’. Now named the State Library of Victoria, this library still serves this purpose. It is the central library of Victoria and holds over 2 million books.
It has a couple of reading rooms, lockers, a parents room, an arts library, a chess room to name a few of its facilities.
The building itself stands tall, proud and you can really feel the history behind this iconic structure by standing on Swanston Street and looking at it. The front lawn is a popular spot for those after a spot to chill out in summer or to simply grab some lunch. There are also statues of Sir Redmond Barry and Jeanne D’Arc to name a few.
I really like studying here when I’m in the CBD. It is centrally located in the heart of the CBD, there is a combination of round tables or partitioned booths for you to choose from. They offer free wi-​fi, power points for your laptop and I doubt that there is a book that you won’t be able to find in there.
When I go, I always head straight in to find a spot, put my head down and study but I’ll have to take a few next time, walk around and admire the beautiful architecture that this historic venue has to offer.

The State Library of Victoria is a great place to visit, whether to read a book, work/​study, or view an exhibition.
The main entrance to library is beautiful, but perhaps the most amazing part of the building is the La Trobe Reading Room. This is a large room with a glass-​domed ceiling, giving the room lots of natural light. The room itself is three or four stories high.
There’s no shortage of space to sit and read or work, and there are areas designated as quiet areas as well as those that permit conversation. There’s free wi-​fi available throughout the library, and their are plenty of public computers if you don’t have a laptop with you.
Several more unique aspects of the library (besides the already mentioned La Trobe Reading Room), include a chess area where people playing chess have priority, two giant outdoor chess boards, and several galleries that house exhibits.

As I sit here in the Latrobe Reading Library section, I’m wishing that Melbourne’s State Library didn’t have free wifi because truth is, I should be studying for my finance exam coming up this Monday.
The library is quite busy and it took a good 30 minutes to find myself a place to sit but it’s study week and exams are coming up so that was expected.
This is one of my favorite places in the city and I prefer to come and study in this library over any of the RMIT options though they are all conveniently located within a few blocks of one another.
Though it’s frustrating not to be able to bring your backpack in I often find myself dropping my bag in a locker and grabbing a quick coffee at Mr. Tulk before heading on into get my study on. (definitely recommend this coffee spot)
The Library’s amazing and has got tons to offer for everyones needs. They’ve even got a beautiful lawn outside where homeless people sleep, yeah you didn’t think that you could call a library your home did you?
Anyway, when homeless people and pigeons aren’t taking up the space the city puts on free concerts, yeah free! I’ve seen Miami Horror & City and Colour for free in front of the state library within the past 8 months (beware of hipsters).

Beautiful library filled with old charm. We wandered around the library mostly for looks since we were on a short visit. It’s one of those libraries that has it’s own culture with events and happenings. Just to see the beauty of a older library… you have to go.

When reviewing the State Library, I really don’t know what aspect to focus on. For starters, the setting is incredible. It is one of the oldest and most attractive buildings in the CBD and on a nice day the grassy area in front is packed with all sorts of people. If you have your lunch-​break or an afternoon spare, then this spot is the perfect place to hang out with friends, take your lunch to, read a book, people watch, or do whatever it is you like to do.
The services the State Library offer are impressive too. They have a massive collection of books in almost every field you can think of. When the University of Melbourne didn’t have a book, most of the time it would at the State Library. There are also large amounts of study space (warning: these can fill up during busy times) and free wifi. This makes it a good place to study.
On occasion there are cool exhibitions to look out for at the State Library too.

The State Library is that giant building on the corner of Latrobe Street and Swanston Street. You thought it was an Art Gallery? Museum? ???
You may be partly right there my friends. The State Library is home to many permanent and temporary exhibitions displayed year round in gallery and spaces throughout the library. Visitors often find the unexpected when exploring this huge building.
If you have grown up in Melbourne like me you most likely have encountered the State Library at some stage. Boring school trip maybe?
For many academic focused individuals the State Library Reading Room is THE place to wile away days, weeks, months, even years studying and researching all manner of subjects from the biggest collection of literature in the state.
The State Library is a great place to enjoy free wifi or computer use and they offer printing and photocopying, which is always useful. What many locals don’t know is that the State Library hosts events! Classes and workshops, touring exhibitions, film screenings, seminars and talks. The event program is long and varied and chances are you will find something going on almost every day.
Bonus points as The State Library is opposite Melbourne Central and the station so is easy to get to on public transport!
Explore the «that huge building» and find a world of learning… or at least a quiet spot to check the footy scores.

I’m not going to write about how amazing the State Library is, because that goes without saying (and besides, it’s already been covered…).
Instead, what I’m going to rave about is the humble piece of lawn situated out the front. The State Library lawn seems to have become the unofficial hangout spot of half of Melbourne. On any given sunny day, you’ll find crowds of people casually milling on the grass. From lip-​locked teens to study conscious students and business men on their lunch break, this place doesn’t discriminate. In fact, it has single handedly solved that ultimate city conundrum; you want to pack your lunch in order to save some much needed cash, but where on earth do you eat it? Why on the State Library Lawn of course. So while you’re in the scholarly mood, grab a book and soak up the sunshine and indulge in a much needed break. You’ve probably been cooped up inside the library for far too long anyway.

This is Melbourne’s cultural and literary hub, and a great hang out spot for lunches, study and catch up with friends; even outside the library in the grassed areas overlooking Swanston Street.
A great inviting vibe conducive to study and writing; ensuring that I am fully productive. The ambience is beautiful and the reference area for study and checking their book collection is trendy and purports a friendly Melbourne vibe. Locker space is provided with a deposit which is refunded to you, and plastic bags are provided for you to store the items you need to take with you into the library.
Also their Dome Gallery is a great dose of culture; also free of charge with art showcasing Victoria in its best possible light is seen. Until the 12^th of February 2012, art on how Melbourne became the city that it is today with key historical artefacts is also on display which includes the discovery of Australian explorers Burke and Wills. It may not be the most entertaining exhibition; however if you want a history lesson on this great city; it is worth taking a look if you happen to be around in the area, and provided you have a spare 10 minutes to educate yourself and learn more.