State Library of Victoria
Spend your afternoon in a comfy chair in the State Library of Victoria reading your way through one of those great books that are on your 'must read one day' list.
It's not all just about books here though.......
.......There are games consoles for your kids to play on.......
........kid-friendly computers.......
.......places for the kids to draw and colour in......
.......they can listen to stories or play chess in the chess room.......
.......there are places for you to listen to music, watch DVDs and learn at workshops.......
........The building itself is also worth a good look around. It's made up of 23 buildings, begun in 1854, with loads of interesting architectural features.......
.......You'll find stained glass windows, fantastic murals, marble staircases and really attractive rooms.
My favourite is the La Trobe Reading Room - if you haven't been here before you must arrange a visit.......
........I had a tour here at the Library two years ago during the Melbourne Open House weekend shortly after I arrived in Melbourne. I hadn't realised that you can get a free tour every day anyway!.......
.......We did get to see a room which is normally closed off to the public though.
There's also a number of galleries providing both permanent and changing exhibitions including the Keith Murdoch Gallery and the Cowen Gallery.
Free tours are available for some of these galleries too.
There's so much to do here in the State Library of Victoria that there's too much to list, particularly as events change month to month.....
......For example you'll find different kids events monthly - When I was there activities included how to make a comic and how to make characters from paper - sounds to me like the mums and dads would also enjoy these activities!.......
......You could learn how to uncover your family history or do one of the many other workshop events.....
......Click on State Library to find out up-to-date activities, exhibitions etc or you can call (03) 8664 7099.
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The Library's located at 328 Swanston Street, right opposite Melbourne Central. Opening hours are Mon-Thur 10am-9pm and Fri-Sun 10am - 6pm.
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