On 24th September, fifteen of our members visited the State Library for two volunteer-led guided tours, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. There was an opportunity for the two groups to meet over lunch in the Guild Cafe, which necessitated much moving of tables and stools.
The library was established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library. It is Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free libraries in the world. The library was designed to be a place of culture, originally combining a library, museum and art gallery.
The original building on Swanston Street has been greatly extended and altered, to provide over time, for the current needs of the community.
The architecture is magnificent, with many of the original rooms restored, altered and expanded, as appropriate for present day use.
The octagonal six storey high, La Trobe Reading Room, with its magnificent dome was a highlight. In past times, it was required to be a silent room. An ‘overseer’ who was stationed in a central podium to ensure silence, was affectionately called a ‘Shusher’.
The viewing of Ned Kelly’s armour completed the tour. Many thanks to Pauline for her organisation of the day.
Lyndell O’Brien September 2026
