State Library of Victoria
Editorial
The State Library of Victoria is one of the largest libraries in the world, housing over 2 million books. While the library is home to thousands of books of knowledge, the State Library itself is also a building of wonder and history.
A prime example is the 19th century architecture; it was built with the desire to become one of the greatest libraries in the world by one of its founders, Sir Redmond Barry the commissioner of the court of requests as well as the first Solicitor-General, with a seat in the Legislative Council and a member of the Executive Council.
The First Collection
The first State Library collection was mostly hand picked and ordered by Barry, although some were donated, amounting in a total of 3846 volumes . Although this was in keep with Barry's tyrannical understanding of his position as Chairman of Trustees, it was partly by default. In an unusually self-ruled gesture he had advertised for suggestions from the public for works to be purchased for the Library, but having received no response or interest, he went ahead and compiled his own list.
The first list contained a total of 20 headings including: Natural history, Bibles, Architecture, Science, French work, Travel and voyages, Political economy, Metaphysics and Logic, Botany and Biography. Other headings not available when the library first opened include: Children's literature, Science and technology, Law and government, Rare Books, Sports and recreation and Genealogy.
The Collection Grows
By 1816 the collection had grown to more than 22,000 volumes. As the great collection continued to grow, the State Library received a further grant of 20,000 pounds from the government; these funds secured a second section of the building which was completed in 1859. In 1862 a new catalogue was ordered and on its completion the catalogue contained over 27,000 titles. After 3 years there were another 1,000 volumes added to the collection and the number doubled over the next 10 years, currently there are over 2 million books and serials.
The Building
The State Library building has stood on Swanston Street for almost 150 years and has been named as one of Melbourne's national landmarks. Designed by notable architect Joseph Reed, the original buildings were constructed in stages from the early 1850s. Over the years the building has undergone many changes including the building of permanent exhibition centres that replaced temporary buildings in the late 19th century some built for the National Museum who for many years shared the Library site. The La Trobe Reading Room was opened in 1913 to celebrate the Library's jubilee.
The Dome - The Jewel in the Crown
The Library boasts some of the city's most beautiful heritage interiors; the La Trobe Reading Room and its brilliant octagonal dome opened in 1913 and is the main focal point of many people's visits to the State Library. The Reading Room is large and spacious, designed to seat 320 readers. The walls are shelved with many Australiana books, from literature to geography, capable of holding an extra 32,000 books, when you take your first step into the reading room and look up to the dome, it is almost overwhelming.
The State Library is one of Melbourne's most distinct landmarks and has stood for almost 150 years, running regular tours for visitors, new users, students and anyone who wishes to be a part its history and culture.
Kelly Cui
Read about The Independent Type exhibition here.
Find out how the library can assist you if you are a student here
User Feedback
me again... (maria) XD
January 11, 2010
beautifully written *applaudes* im soo going to the games room kel :D
July 30, 2010
Don't forget the Wheeler Centre for "Books, writers and ideas", very handy to QV
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