The State Library of Victoria

One landmark worth visiting whenever one is in Australia is the State Library of Victoria. Located within the city of Melbourne, the library is a certified architectural treasure aside from being the ultimate reference source of the rich and exciting culture of the town of Victoria. Students, writers and history lovers will definitely find the place totally enriching. The library is not just an old building where old Australian books are stored. The place actually offers more in terms of cultural programs and public exhibitions which are regularly held in several galleries of the library. Specifically, three galleries, namely, Dome, Keith Murdoch and Cowen, all regularly host art exhibitions where ancient Australian drawings and artifacts are showcased, all drawn from the vast collection of archived materials kept securely within the inner walls of the library.

Established sometime in 1856, the library is set within scenery of greens, typically characterised by terraces and lawns. Originally known as Melbourne Public Library, the structure came into being as a result of the vigorous campaign put up by Sir Raymond Barry, the Irish lawyer who was appointed as the very first judge of what was then known as Victoria Colony.

As judge, Sir Raymond established a reputation for being a strict enforcer of Victorian laws, but he also believed in the concept of free information, strongly calling for the creation of a public library in Victoria. Before the Melbourne Public Library was put up, Sir Raymond was known to have allowed Victoria residents to make use of his own personal library in their research works. In grateful recognition of his efforts, a statue of Sir Raymond Barry was erected just before the entrance to the State Library of Victoria.

Inside, a marble stairway welcomes tourists and leads to the inner confines of the library. Of particular interest should be the La Trobe Library where important and historical books chronicling the evolution of Australia are properly kept for public viewing.

From there, one can find several balconies that encircle the famed Domed Reading Corner of the library. This particular area has recently undergone renovation and is now known as the main exhibition area of the library. Two other halls, namely, the Cowen Gallery and the Keith Murdoch Gallery, also serve as exhibition sites for the library. The latter is devoted to changing exhibitions, focusing on the constantly evolving landscape of Victoria as seen in its ancient manuscripts to the more recent items taken from present endeavors. The former, meanwhile, features the various art artifacts that are the ideal representations of Melbourne’s rich history.

Apart from regular art exhibits, the library also holds an arts video show where Victorian history is presented in opera form, art documentaries and classical concerts. These take place every Tuesday and Wednesday at 12 noon. Library tours, held from Mondays to Fridays and during the first and the third Saturdays of every month at 2 p.m are worth attending since they are free and offer a good introduction to the history of the place.