State Library Victoria

In the heart of Melbourne, State Library Victoria has been open to the public since 1854. As one of Australia’s oldest public libraries and among the first free public libraries in the world, it was founded to make knowledge and education accessible to everyone. Over time, it has grown from a small book collection into a thriving center for learning and creativity.

Visitors to State Library Victoria can explore its vast catalogue, access digital collections, and study in the iconic La Trobe Reading Room. The library also supports innovation through StartSpace, a free service offering resources and mentoring for startups.

Beyond books, the library features gallery spaces showcasing exhibitions on Victoria’s social, cultural, and political history. Highlights include the World of the Book exhibition, which explores the history of books, printing, and publishing with treasures like medieval manuscripts and first editions. Temporary exhibitions often spotlight contemporary art, photography, and current issues.

State Library Victoria also offers modern facilities, including coworking spaces, digital labs, and workshops. Regular events, such as author talks, live performances, and creative writing sessions, make it a hub for learning, creativity, and collaboration.

This is a place which we also need more in Germany!

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