State Library Victoria has opened the doors to its reimagined library

December 06, 2019

State Library Victoria has opened the doors to its reimagined library, marking the completion of an ambitious $88.1 million Vision 2020 redevelopment that has increased public space by 40% and seating by 70%.

Nearly five years in the making, the renewal of Australia’s oldest and busiest public library responds to the changing needs of the Library’s growing community by providing new spaces, services and better access to knowledge.

Key features of the redevelopment

• A revitalised Swanston Street entrance, featuring a new foyer and digital technology that keeps visitors up to date with what’s on where at the Library
• The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, the Library’s original reading room and one of Melbourne’s most breathtaking heritage spaces, which will act as a reading room by day and an opulent event venue by night
• Hansen Hall, supported by the Hansen Little Foundation, a vibrant new collaborative space to meet, work and connect
• The Quad, the ground floor of the Library, connecting all four of its activity courtyards, with the information centre at its heart
• Conversation Quarter, endowed by the Hansen Little Foundation, a state-of-the-art public forum for lectures, conferences and workshops
• Ideas Quarter, home to StartSpace, a new, member service enabled by the Christine Christian Foundation and a dedicated co-working space for early stage start-ups and small businesses. Contact the State Library Victoria to express your interest to tour the space and become a member
• Create Quarter, featuring spaces for group work and school programs, with pop-up talks and events
• Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter, supported by Gandel Philanthropy, a purpose-built space for children and families to read, learn and play, with an associated program of activities.

Learn more via www.slv.vic.gov.au and vision2020.slv.vic.gov.au