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State
Library of Victoria
Melbourne's Heritage Buildings
 The
State Library of Victoria is a magnificent colonial building that
grabs your eye while you walk down Swanston St.
It
isn't just the fine columns out the front, or the structure itself,
but the fact its front lawn is a place for the public to relax.
On
a fine day you will see people reading on the steps or the grass,
kids playing and other people admiring the statues that grace the
area.
St
George killing a dragon is one of the main statues, the other is
Joan of Arc with a lance raised. Both sit astride horses and they
are beautiful pieces of work.
Inside
the State Library has plenty to keep all sorts of visitors informed
and entertained.
You
can play chess, electronic games, see what's in the galleries, watch
movies, listen to music, or look through newspapers and magazines.
The
State Library also has regular events and exhibitions.
 The
building itself will grab the eye as it features "Victorian
quirks and curlicues, grand marble staircases, panes of stained
glass, and hand-hewn bluestone walls".
Visitors
must see the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights
of the Mirror of the World and The Changing Face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except on public holidays.
The
State Library has huge collections of books, pictures, newspapers,
maps and manuscripts. Also include in the more than 2 million items
are digital works, as well as audio-visual materials covering Victoria's
history.
They
include art, architecture, Australian and European history, genealogy,
government and the law as well as children's books.
The
Library is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 9pm, and Friday to Sunday,
10am to 6pm.
 Some
parts of the Library have different opening hours.
It
is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and on New
Year's Day. On Christmas Eve and the days between Boxing Day and
New Year's Day the library will be open from 10am to 6pm. Public
holiday hours are from 10am to 6pm.
-
Richard Moore.
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