State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia Review

A bit old, very busy and the internet totally overloads in the couple of hours after the schools get out, but it's basically the only library left in Victoria that priorities libraries as a study space instead of a community center.

Always feel peaceful when I study here and the view is pretty good.

Beautiful place to read a book or study. There are also local newspapers and magazines that can be consulted. You can also take a break at the bar with excellent coffee and cakes.

It's finally open again after the revamp and it's money well spent.
It's a completely new building!
Ned Kelly's armour is still exhibited here.

The most beautiful library I've ever entered. Hope more time to sit down and read a book.

Amazing architecture free entry and very interesting exhibitions

I'm lucky to have such a library open in the middle of the city. It is definitely worth a visit.

A library with a museum atmosphere is one of the best choices for the soul in the city.

Not only a library but also a gallery full of art works. Had a pleasant experience!

Would be better if they could have less birds, otherwise it s nice grass - couldn t find any books

It is a really good place for self-study and also to calm down

The empty hall, thick book, is suitable for a long time, calm down to read.

Beautiful place inside the library. Can be abit confusing on how to get to the dome area. But ask a friendly librarian to guide you here.

Beautiful building! You ll always find a place to sit and study, however the wifi here just sucks.

Inaugurated in 1856, the library had its first reading room opened in 1859, which was named the Queen's Reading Room. It currently has about two million books, in addition to hosting exhibitions with different themes. The highlight is the octagonal architecture of the room called Landmark Domed Reading Room (La Trobe).

Amazingly clean and well maintained...
Huge collection and much more

I often come to this library, I like the library's unique design style, the light is very soft and bright, indoor air is very comfortable, it can make people very active and serious learning

One of the best library in Victoria.They provide great facilities, the staff are helpful and friendly.Also, they have a good selection of the daily newspapers and the latest magazines.

If you want quite and calm place to enjoy reading, its a must

It's a great place to study, and a great place to relax with a breeze.
There are galleries all over the place, and various old books are displayed on the way to the tower from the inside like a museum.

It's amazing how good they are.

Helpful staff, and great design. Would recommend going to the top floor for a photo of the library interior.

Love this place. The library was great and very informative. The architecture and exhibitions is really worthwhile. Spent about 2 hours here learning stuff about Melbourne.

Best of all it s free.

Remember to signup for the free tour by volunteers. It s really worth it

Simply beautiful! It s both functional and attractive, making it perfect for almost anyone. You can and should bring visitors here to see it, but if you live around here and are looking for a free place to work with WiFi and air conditioning, this is your place. Absolutely recommended! Make sure to grab a map on your way in.

Best place for me to avoid the heat of sun in summer. Not perfectly quiet for me to studying but it is the best library I've visited across the world. I'm oversea student and choose this place as my usual day for me to come when I'm free besides busy at work.

Worth visiting and gorgeous view from the top of the reading room. History of the library and the state are also shown in the exhibition hall.

A gorgeous old building and certainly an amazing testament to the city of Victoria. Don't pass up a trip to the State Library of Victoria, and be sure to walk all the way up to the dome atop level 6

A very learning atmosphere, the study room inside is superb

An great place to visit. All the exhibitions are free, the artwork is lovely, and you can charge your phone! I entered through Russel Street and loved the art that greets you there.
And thank you to Janet who directed me to the must-sees since my time was limited. I decided to come back instead of rushing through it all!

only got a chance to see from outside at night time.

Very beautiful building, read it and enjoy a leisurely time.

My favorite place to hang out and study or trade after work.

Must see in Melbourne. Very easy to travel to because it's right across Melbourne Central. Super stunning and enjoyable whether you want to sit in a quiet space and study or look around at architecture

I am concerned that best-practice Internet research methodologies are not informing the browser and search engine offerings available to State Library of Victoria users. This is of significant concern for patrons who utilize the computer terminal facilities provided and impacts significantly on quality of information retrieved and returned.

Stated somewhat differently: ask43431 6/15/2015 12:43 PM I am concerned about the insidious bias implicit in the prevailing Internet browser protocol on lib terminals.

The one star rating yielded that I "Hated it" but this is not the truth I am just disappointed in what this does to the richness of our library patron's research and how it impacts on the quality of that which the chosen browser and search engine retrieve and return.

I ve been there yesterday, it s the best of the library in the world. Fantastic inside~ i think you guys need to get there!!

This place is amazing. We didn't go for the books per se but for checking out the dome and all the items they displayed. The old books and papers were so awesome. The dome was so beautiful.

Huge library in the centre of melbourne. Fully packet with students, also tourist. Amazing view from the top stairs

Victorian State Library is an lovely old big building with a bustling heart filled with the young and old. Free internet with decent speed, timed computers available if you don't have your own device, a variety of study spaces from imdividual to group, a variety of specialised research areas, an incredibly amazing and vast catalogue of books much of it in on-site storage and which takes about half hour when you order (but there is a large selection shelved as well), fantastic and extremely approachable staff, magazines and newspapers in a variety of languages. Check out the domed great reading room and head up to the levels of exhibitions around the edge of the dome roof or great views onto the floor. There is a cafe, a bookshop and grassy lawn out front to hang out and usually a crowd watching outdoor chess. The Library can occasionally get incredibly busy and it can be a challenge to find a desk to sit at but you can always find a spare chair or like everybody else a random space on the floor in some corner next to a power point:-)

Elegant and beautifully maintained reading room. Easy access using trams or walking (at the top end of Swanston Street). The special exhibitions are hidden gems and change regularly. Amazing items of historical significance (eg. illuminated manuscripts and artworks) are often on display. Free and highly recommended.

Such a stunning example of old time architecture. The State Library of Victoria is a must visit not only for the students but for everyone else too.

There are always amazing and ever changing exhibitions to check out on level 5, tours through the chambers normally closed to the public and free wifi and comfy chairs for those hoping to just sit back and soak up a bit of knowledge.

Make sure to check out every room in the location for a different feel.

one of the best libraries i have ever been to they say there are 23 buildings that make up this place its bonzer

Really very HUGE library and well maintained... Just make sure you dont carry think which makes sound because this place is pin drop silence... Best place if you want to study.. and also you will find almost all the books...

Beautiful library, but internet is so poor. Drinks are not allowed in reading room

This library was first opened in 1856 with a collection of 3,800 books, and the famous domed reading room was opened in 1913. While the dome s skylights were covered with copper sheets in 1959 due to water leakage, they have since been renovated, allowing beautiful natural light to once again fill the reading room. This library is not only massive containing over 2 million books it also has some fantastic rarities, including the diaries of the city s founders, folios of Captain James Cook, and the armor of famed outlaw Ned Kelly.

Going to so many countries, I really feel that the Chinese people love to read too little, and the reading crowd must remove the exam.

Free, we join the students among the books. A magnificent octagonal hall

Go check out the Ashes! Only the third time it s come to Australia and it s free to see!

Very beautiful art museum, sound hardware, and a strong atmosphere for reading, it is worth visiting!

There s places to study and take photos. Good for instagram pics. Very spacious and has a lot to see and read about. A bit boring if you re not interested in books or history but if you are you will thoroughly enjoy this place.

The grandeur and architecture is quite magical. Also, the top floor view of the reading room is impressive.

The exhibitions of old manuscripts is equally interesting as well, housing items such as healing scrolls.

The largest library in Melbourne. Like fame, the scale is not a joke. It seems to be a museum and exhibition. It has become a tourist destination, so many tourists come to it and it is confusing.

I like to study here, just like being in a church, my mind can calm down and heal.

Amazing warren of various levels, with art, books, and media galore! The historical displays are fascinating, as are the sessions during Melbourne Rare Book Week. Unique, memorable architectural design. A grand entrance with a warrior saint on either side.

Libraries are not my cup of tea but the architecture in the building is amazing A must go!

Best place to concentrate, if you have some free time and you want to read this is also the perfect spot.

Histories and very fancy, a big library. There is many informations on Ned Kelly, they have armour. Very good for study, you can focus.

Beautiful place, great Range of books, lovely cafe and gift store. There s a gallery in it with a small exhibition too. Must visit!

Beautiful library with lots of seating space. If you're looking for a chess partner, you're almost sure to find one here. Stable WiFi (not super fast but does the job). I also really liked the little bookstore on the ground floor, near the entrance from Russel's Street.

took few good pictures, try to come on weekdays. Lift so slow and so many stairs.

My favourite place in all of Melbourne! Such a beautiful vibe even though it s always busy I d love it even more if it ever has quiet days but it s not something they can control & frankly I can t blame people for coming here.

I am happy because I am a neighbor. I am well managed.

Iconic architecture in Melbourne. The library is simply awesome.

Great place for studying or just to read a book. The environment is great too

Recently attended an event held by the Grattan Institute. Very well organised, staff helpful and friendly. Venue magnificient and comfortable.

I really like the exhibition here, it show the history of Melbourne..

I've been State library of WA, NSW.
I think it's the best library I've ever been so far in Australia.