State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world.
From Ned Kelly’s armour to the magnificent La Trobe Reading Room, the Library is a Melbourne landmark and cultural icon. Their collections include 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.
There’s always something to do at the Library: wander through their exhibitions, attend events, explore the beautiful heritage spaces with a free guided tour and more.
When the Library first opened its doors in 1856, there was a collection of 3846 volumes on the shelves. Since then, they have collected almost 5.5 million items including books, manuscripts, serials, photographs, artworks, maps and ephemera. The Library’s collection preserves and shares the voices, ideas, stories and experiences of all Victorians.
Start exploring our collection now: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/search-discover
Guild Café
Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm
Sat & Sun: 10am-3.30pm|
Enjoy a latte and top up your energy levels with a snack at Guild Cafe in the Russell Street Welcome Zone. Paid members enjoy a 10% discount on food and drinks.
Mr Tulk
Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm
Sat–Sun: 8.30–5pm
Named after the Library’s first librarian Augustus Tulk, the cafe is the perfect place to fuel your research with a delicious breakfast or lunch, indulge in some coffee and cake, or relax with a glass of wine. Paid members enjoy a 10% discount on food and drinks. Click here to visit Mr Tulk’s website.
Readings State Library
Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm-5pm
Discover a fantastic selection of fiction and nonfiction, children's books, stationery and gifts at the State Library Victoria bookshop, run by award-winning independent bookseller Readings. Click here to find out more.
Train – Melbourne Central station is directly opposite the Library's Swanston Street entrance. Country travellers can transfer to metropolitan trains at Southern Cross or North Melbourne stations.
Tram – Ten tram routes take you directly to our entrances on Swanston Street and La Trobe Street.
Bus – the nearest stops are in Lonsdale, Russell and Exhibition streets
See Public Transport Victoria for more information.
There are separated bike lanes in both directions on Swanston and La Trobe streets. You'll find bike racks on and near the corner of Swanston and La Trobe streets, Swanston and Little Lonsdale streets. See the City of Melbourne website for more information.
The Library doesn't have on-site parking, but there is paid street parking on La Trobe Street and several pay car parks close by, including at Melbourne Central and QV.
There are three 2-hour parking spaces for people with a disability permit in La Trobe Street.
There are four 2-hour parking spaces for people with a disability permit in Little Lonsdale Street, between Swanston and Russell streets (outside the Wheeler Centre).
There is also a single 2-hour parking space for people with a disability permit on the west side of Russell Street, north of the La Trobe Street intersection, outside RMIT Building 20.
The Library is a place where the participation and contribution of all Victorian communities are valued. Wheelchair access and accessible toilets are available throughout the building. The Library has assistive technology workstations available in the Quad and Redmond Barry Reading Room. State Library Victoria endeavours to cater to any accessibility needs.
To learn more about the facilities and services, click here: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/visit/access-inclusion
State Library Victoria
328 Swanston Street
Melbourne 3000
T: +61 3 8664 7000
E: inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
W: slv.vic.gov.au
Opening Hours
Open daily 10am-6pm, free entry
The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation that celebrates diversity. We are committed to providing safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive services for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
