What is the State Library Victoria?
State Library Victoria in Melbourne is Australia's oldest public library, opened in 1856. It is famous for its domed La Trobe Reading Room.
The library was one of the first free public libraries in the world. Its classical building on Swanston Street was expanded over many decades and now holds millions of books, manuscripts, maps and pictures.
The octagonal La Trobe Reading Room opened in 1913 and was once one of the largest reading rooms of its kind. Visitors can climb to the upper balconies for a famous view down into the room.
Ned Kelly's armour
The library displays the homemade armour of bushranger Ned Kelly, worn during his final shootout at Glenrowan in 1880. It is one of the most popular objects in its collection.
A major redevelopment completed in 2019 reopened closed spaces, added study areas and created a children's library. Entry is free, and the lawn out front is a popular meeting place.
The library also runs free exhibitions, talks and workshops, and its digital collections let people around the world explore historic newspapers and photographs online.
Did You Know?
The library's collection includes original diaries of Victorian explorers and early settlers.