tour state library melbourne

• Collections
• Hotel Solutions
• Become a partner
• Become a guide
• Guide Dashboard
• Agent Portal
• Hotel Portal

State Library

Nearby attractions, related tours.

Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.

Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.

State Library Victoria

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

State Library Victoria - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Complete Melbourne Walking Tour (From AU$100.42)
• Melbourne Street Art Tour (From AU$81.15)
• Melbourne Laneways Discovery Running Tour (From AU$88.25)
• Great Ocean Road Highlights Tour - 2 Days, 1 Night (From AU$718.20)
• Private Tour of Melbourne (From AU$760.80)
• (0.16 km) Brady Hotels Central Melbourne
• (0.16 km) Staycentral - Melbourne Central CBD - 2 bed, gym, pool, QV building
• (0.12 km) Modern CBD Views Penthouse 2Bedr/2BA apartment
• (0.24 km) Space Hotel
• (0.17 km) City central modern 2Bed/2SpaBath Resort Penthouse apartment with Skyline Views
• (0.05 km) The Moat
• (0.20 km) Tsindos-The Greeks Restaurant
• (0.09 km) Father's Office
• (0.07 km) Mr Tulk
• (0.12 km) PappaRich QV
• (0.01 km) Sir Redmond Barry Statue
• (0.03 km) Architectural Fragment
• (0.04 km) Saint George And The Dragon
• (0.04 km) Joan Of Arc Statue
• (0.04 km) Bunyip Sculpture

• Skip to content

• Slide 1 of 3
• Slide 2 of 3
• Slide 3 of 3

State Library Victoria

• Heritage listed

Established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world.

A Melbourne landmark and cultural icon, the library is a magnificent 19th-century building with some of the city’s most beautiful heritage interiors. A special highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room, with its majestic octagonal domed ceiling.

The library's collections include Ned Kelly's complete armour, over two million books, hundreds of thousands of pictures, newspapers, maps and manuscripts, and masses of audio, video and digital material - all reflecting the changing face of Victoria over the past 150 years.

The library's green lawn is a popular gathering spot, hosting events and busking performances.

There are permanent and touring exhibitions to explore in the various galleries of the library. Free guided tours are also available.

State Library Victoria 328 Swanston St Melbourne 3000

Contact details

• telephone number: 03 8664 7000
• email address: [email protected]
• Visit website for State Library Victoria

Only In The City

Flash Forward

Explore 40 city laneways that have been transformed by over 80 creatives.

Melbourne Museum

Explore history, culture, science, and nature at this popular Melbourne attraction.

How to spend 24 hours in Melbourne

From secret street art to seasonal events, you’ll find something for everyone.

• Entertainment

Sign up to What's On weekly

Welcome! Thanks for signing up!

Discover more

University of Melbourne

The oldest university in Victoria, with landscaped gardens and interesting architecture.

Melbourne Institute of Technology

Melbourne Institute of Technology is located in the heritage listed Argus Building.

Queen Victoria Women's Centre

An iconic Melbourne landmark and centre for the advancement of women.

Southbank Library at Boyd

Public library set in the heritage-listed building that houses Boyd Community Hub.

State Library of Victoria

This grand neoclassical building has been at the forefront of Melbourne's literary scene since 1856. When its central La Trobe Reading Room was completed in 1913, the six-storey-high, reinforced-concrete octagonal dome was the world's largest; its natural light illuminates ornate plasterwork and studious Melburnians. The library’s original reading room, the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall , recently reopened after a glorious refurbishment. Galleries offer free exhibitions of Victorian artefacts (including outlaw Ned Kelly's armour). Free 45-minute tours depart daily (10.45am) from Readings .

Start on the dome-viewing balcony on the 6th floor and work your way down to the Dome Galleries , spread over the next two floors, including the Changing Face of Victoria exhibition on the 5th floor. There's also numerous original Burke and Wills memorabilia and John Batman's controversial land treaty (read: land grab), in which he's believed to have forged the signatures of Wurundjeri people.

Bibliophiles won't want to miss the World of the Book exhibition on the 4th floor, featuring a weird and wonderful collection of books through the ages, including a 4000-year old Sumerian cuneiform tax receipt, significant religious tomes and beautifully rendered nature studies. Also inside are the Cowen Gallery and South Rotunda , which display highlights of photographs and paintings from the Library’s collection, as well as the Victoria Gallery , where you'll find the bullet-dented armour of Ned Kelly, Australia's most infamous bushranger – the menacing helmet was cobbled together from a plough with a slit cut out for the eyes.

Families with kids up to 12 years old will find a host of books and special activities on offer in the brand-new Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter .

The lawns in front of the library are a popular lunching and reading spot, and civic protests are often held here.

cnr Russell & La Trobe Sts. Melbourne

Get In Touch

03-8664 7000

https://www.slv.vic.gov.au

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Royal Botanic Gardens

Considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-era landscaping in the world, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens draw over two million visitors a year…

Hosier Lane

Melbourne's most-celebrated laneway for street art, Hosier Lane's cobbled length draws camera-wielding crowds to its colorful canvas of graffiti, stencils…

Shrine of Remembrance

One of Melbourne's icons, the Shrine of Remembrance is a commanding memorial to Victorians who have served in war and peacekeeping, especially those…

Melbourne Cricket Ground

With a capacity of 100,000 people, the "G" is one of the world’s great sporting venues, hosting cricket in summer and AFL (Australian Football League,…

Queen Victoria Market

With more than 600 traders, 'Vic Market' is a large open-air market brimming with food, shopping and cultural experiences. Early mornings are best for…

St Kilda Foreshore

With a palm-fringed promenade, sandy beach and eclectic architecture, St Kilda’s seaside appeal lands somewhere between Brighton in England and Venice…

NGV International

Housed in a vast, brutally beautiful, bunker-like building, the international branch of the NGV has an expansive collection, from ancient artefacts to the…

Melbourne Zoo

Established in 1862, this compact zoo remains one of the city’s most popular attractions and continues to innovate, having become the world's first carbon…

Nearby Melbourne attractions

1 . Old Melbourne Gaol

Dating back to 1841, this bluestone prison was in operation until 1924 and decommissioned in 1929. It's now a museum where you can tour the tiny, bleak…

2 . Chinatown

For more than 150 years this section of central Melbourne, now flanked by five traditional arches, has been the focal point for the city's Chinese…

3 . Chinese Museum

The fascinating and often fraught history of Chinese people in Australia is showcased in this wonderful little museum in the heart of Chinatown. Start on…

4 . West Space

One of Melbourne’s oldest nonprofit, artist-run galleries, West Space has a varied exhibition schedule featuring young and emerging artists. Expect a…

5 . Royal Arcade

Built between 1869 and 1870, this Parisian-style shopping arcade is Melbourne’s oldest and has managed to retain much of its charming 19th-century detail…

6 . Century Building

Built between 1939 and 1940, this Streamline Moderne high-rise is an important Melbourne landmark. It was the first office block in the city to have air…

7 . Blender Lane

This unsigned laneway off Franklin St features some of Melbourne's best street art, showcasing the work of underground artists. It's named after the…

8 . Melbourne Town Hall

Since opening in 1870, this grand neoclassical civic building has welcomed everyone from Queen Elizabeth II, who took tea here in 1954, to the Beatles,…

5 reasons to visit the State Library Victoria

If you live in Melbourne (or love holidaying here) and haven’t already visited the State Library Victoria , well you are seriously missing out! I’ve got 5 reasons why you must make the journey to Swanston Street to check it out.

Inside you can explore a world of information and stories, enjoy free tours, exhibitions, events and fun for the whole family.

The Architecture

In my opinion, the State Library Victoria is Melbourne’s finest example of Neoclassical architecture. It has remained on the same two-acre allotment since its opening in 1856, but the structure you see today is actually made up of 23 individual buildings that have changed dramatically over the years.

Beyond the walls of the buildings lie a number of iconic features with their own stories – some of which, such as the Architectural fragment  sculpture, are as instantly recognisable as the Library building itself. You can read more about the history of the SLV here .

The Exhibitions

SLV has constantly changing, world-class exhibitions. When I visited last month I checked out two exhibitions, both of which were free and wonderful to explore.

World of the Book , which showcased the history of book design, production and illustration from the Middle Ages to today.

The changing face of Victoria , which shared the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped Victoria. The exhibition is still running and features Ned Kelly’s armour (amazing!) and explores all aspects of daily life in Victoria in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Looking for something fun to do, with a cultural twist? Take a free Welcome to the Library tour which explores the buildings many spaces and services. The tour takes you through their magnificent heritage reading rooms, renowned galleries, exhibitions, study spaces and group work areas, their cafe, and also learn how to become a Library member.

Ultimate Study Zone

Step inside the Library’s grand reading room and you’ll find your study heaven. The atmosphere is a perfect balance of quiet zone x inspiration.

Use their tools and guides to search through amazing historical collections of more than two million books, pictures, newspapers, maps and expanding digitised collections.

For Family History

The Library is the perfect place to explore your family history. Home to a wealth of expertise and information including newspapers, letters, diaries and manuscripts, maps, passenger lists and electoral rolls. A go-to destination for experienced family historians and those just starting out on the family history journey.

Inside their Family History and Newspaper Room and you’ll find all the inspiration and resources you need to research your family’s past. Here you can also have a chat with one of their lovely staff members with any questions you may have in regards to your ancestry.

Other things to do, see and experience in Melbourne…

Top 9 Hidden Secrets in Melbourne

7 reasons to visit Port Melbourne

Emily Collie

Emily Collie is Founder and Editor of well-known Australian travel blog, Melbourne Girl. Emily has written travel articles for Expedia, eHarmony, Amex Shop Small Blogger Series and Racing.com, and has been featured on many Australian websites including Mimco Mimzine and Bonds Australia Blog, and was invited on behalf of the VRC and Myer, to judge the Myer Fashions on the Field competition on Emirates Melbourne Cup Day.

CHECK THESE OUT

What to do in Melbourne this April

Staycation at Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Melbourne Travel Guide – Our 15 Favourite places to eat and drink in the City

The ultimate Summer weekend in Melbourne

Be first to comment click here to cancel reply..

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe me to Melbourne Girl

De Soto Library closed for days; recent rain could be to blame

DE SOTO, Kan. (KCTV) - An unexpected issue forced the Johnson County Library Branch in De Soto to close. The problem may keep the library’s doors shut for the remainder of the week.

The library began notifying users of the closure Tuesday afternoon after sewer line backed up. Crews are looking into what caused the problem but the recent rain may have contributed to the issue, according to a library spokesperson.

The library will extend due dates to any items borrowed from the branch. The library said holds will also be extended. Customers are asked to check library accounts for updates.

Any service normally offered at the De Soto Library is unavailable until the branch reopens.

ALSO READ: FIRST WARN WEATHER DAY Declared Tuesday due to large hail, high winds

The closest library branch to De Soto is the Monticello Library at 22435 W. 66th Street in Shawnee.

A spokesperson for the library said it anticipates reopening on Saturday. The plan could change depending on repairs that are needed.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.

Leawood police arrest man suspected of intentional food contamination at Hereford House

Newborn twins fight rare genetic disease, family says it’ll cost millions of dollars to save their lives

1 dead, 1 seriously injured after wrong-way collision on I-35

Kansas City can experience Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ again all summer

4 teenagers die in high-speed chase after trooper uses PIT maneuver

Latest news.

Stadium architect shares renderings hoping to bring Chiefs to KCK

Chiefs KCK renderings

Kansas legislators look at playing ball with Chiefs or Royals

Ks Lawmakers pushing for KC teams

New alert system in place for severe weather in Jackson County

How much are Billie Eilish tickets? What to expect when sales go live for Cincinnati show

Billie Eilish announced her upcoming "Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour" on Monday.

The nine-time Grammy Award winner will hit the road for the North American leg of her tour, which is titled after her forthcoming album, in September and will continue through December. She will then perform throughout Australia starting in February 2025, and continue through Europe from April to July.

Cincinnati's Heritage Bank Center  is among the stops slated for Eilish's tour. So how much are tickets ? Here's what we know.

How much are tickets for Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard And Soft' tour?

According to the Heritage Bank Center site , tickets are grouped into eight different tiers, ranging in price from $59.50 to $499.50. Here is a look at the prices.

These could, of course, vary depending on which concert fans are trying to attend. For a more accurate idea ahead of sales going live, check the specific venue's site.

When do Billie Eilish presale, general tickets go on sale?

Presales for tickets start Tuesday. General ticket sales begin Friday at noon. Get tickets at  billieeilish.com  and  Ticketmaster .

Billie Eilish North American tour dates

• Sep. 29:  Québec, Québec City  – Centre Videotron.
• Oct. 1:  Toronto, Ontario  – Scotiabank Arena.
• Oct. 2:  Toronto, Ontario  – Scotiabank Arena.
• Oct. 4:  Baltimore, Maryland  – CFG Bank Arena.
• Oct. 5:  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  – Wells Fargo Center.
• Oct. 7:  Detroit, Michigan  – Little Caesars Arena.
• Oct. 9:  Newark, New Jersey  – Prudential Center.
• Oct. 11:  Boston, Massachusetts  – TD Garden.
• Oct. 13:  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  – PPG Paints Arena.
• Oct. 16:  New York, New York  – Madison Square Garden.
• Oct. 17:  New York, New York  – Madison Square Garden.
• Oct. 18:  New York, New York  – Madison Square Garden.
• Nov. 2:  Atlanta, Georgia  – State Farm Arena.
• Nov. 3:  Atlanta, Georgia  – State Farm Arena.
• Nov. 6:  Nashville, Tennessee  – Bridgestone Arena.
• Nov. 8:  Cincinnati, Ohio  – Heritage Bank Center.
• Nov. 10:  Saint Paul, Minnesota  – Xcel Energy Center.
• Nov. 11:  Saint Paul, Minnesota  – Xcel Energy Center.
• Nov. 13:  Chicago, Illinois  – United Center.
• Nov. 14:  Chicago, Illinois  – United Center.
• Nov. 16:  Kansas City, Missouri  – T-Mobile Center.
• Nov. 17:  Omaha, Nebraska  – CHI Health Center Omaha.
• Nov. 19:  Denver, Colorado  – Ball Arena.
• Nov. 20:  Denver, Colorado  – Ball Arena.
• Dec. 3:  Vancouver, British Columbia  – Rogers Arena.
• Dec. 5:  Seattle, Washington  – Climate Pledge Arena.
• Dec. 6:  Seattle, Washington  – Climate Pledge Arena.
• Dec. 8:  Portland, Oregon  – Moda Center.
• Dec. 10:  San Jose, California  – SAP Center at San Jose.
• Dec. 11:  San Jose, California  – SAP Center at San Jose.
• Dec. 13:  Glendale, Arizona  – Desert Diamond Arena.
• Dec. 15:  Inglewood, California  – Kia Forum.
• Dec. 16:  Inglewood, California  – Kia Forum.
• Dec. 17:  Inglewood, California  – Kia Forum.

Find Resources For:

• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Alumni & Donors
• Business & Community

EFSC Celebrates Spring Graduates on May 9

Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) will hold two commencement ceremonies on May 9, 2024.

The ceremonies will take place at the King Center for the Performing Arts on the EFSC Melbourne Campus, and are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Graduates, alongside their families, friends, faculty and esteemed guests are invited to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Graduates with a confirmed RSVP to participate in one of the two commencement ceremonies will receive up to three guest tickets, which will be distributed via email on May 6. All guests must have a ticket to enter the King Center.

Both ceremonies will be broadcast live on WEFS-TV and streamed on the college’s @easternflorida YouTube channel. Graduates, family, and friends are encouraged to share photos to social media using #EFSCGrad.

Graduates will have a professional photo taken while they are on stage by GradImages and the company will contact students directly with photo details and how to purchase them.

The EFSC Foundation will be selling flowers, commemorative t-shirts, and other graduation-related items outside the King Center, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting EFSC student scholarships.

Because of ticketing requirements, walk-up requests to participate in the commencement ceremonies on May 9 cannot be accommodated.

For more information, visit easternflorida.edu/go/graduate or email [email protected] .

• Contact: Suzanne Rains, APR, CPRC, Executive Director, Communications
• Office: 321-433-7022
• Cell: 321-537-6986
• Email: [email protected]

Recent News

Efsc spring choir concert april 22nd, efsc's emergency medical technician and paramedic programs accepting applications, efsc accepting applications for student housing.

• Request Info
• Chat with us