State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is a Melbourne landmark and cultural icon, established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library. It is Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world. The library has a magnificent 19th-century building with beautiful heritage interiors, including the La Trobe Reading Room with its majestic octagonal domed ceiling. The library's collections include over five million items, such as books, manuscripts, paintings, maps, photographs, and newspapers, with a special focus on material from Victoria. The library also features permanent and touring exhibitions, free guided tours, and a green lawn that hosts events and busking performances. The Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter is a family-friendly area, indicating that the library is a suitable destination for families