5 Reasons Why You Should Visit The State Library in Victoria - Top Reasons The State Library in Victoria is a Must-Visit

Serving as one of the area's most popular venues for globally renowned exhibitions and other showcases, those who visit the State Library in Victoria are likely to enjoy access to a lot more than an extensive book collection. One of the most engaging exhibits to take place at the library in recent times has been the World of the Book event which explores how designing, printing and illustrating books have evolved to the modern times from the Middle Ages. The Changing Face of Victoria was another noteworthy exhibition on the notable people, landmarks and incidents that moulded the great state into what it is today. The exhibition even featured Ned Kelly's armour and examples of daily life in the area during the 20th century and beyond.

Libraries are often admired for the extensive collections they house within their confines but rarely for the structures in which these treasures are to be found. The State Library in Victoria is an exception as it is housed in a building that's one of the best examples of the Neoclassical building style. Imposing and grand, the property consists of 23 separate buildings that are spread out over an area of nearly two acres. Although many dramatic alternations have taken place to the appearance of the State Library in Victoria over the years since it first opened in 1856, the unusual architectural features remain.

In addition to having a rich cultural heritage of its own, Australians will find that the State Library in Victoria is also the perfect place to trace the lineage of one's own family and ancestors. Using countless letters, diaries, newspapers, maps, electoral voter registration forms and manuscripts over the ages, the venue has helped many a local trace back their roots across the sands of time. The library's Family History and Newspaper Room is home to most of the resources used to uncover the past of various families while the staff on hand at this wing are equally eager to help.

Travellers looking for something free to do during their holiday in Melbourne will also find that the Welcome to the Library tour is the best way to spend a few hours. Accessible free of charge to all visitors, this unforgettable tour takes participants across all the many reading rooms, exhibitions, galleries and working areas of the State Library of Victoria also informs visitors on how they can become members. Don't forget to stop by the cafe at the end of the tour.

Avid readers and students on holiday based at the Oaks Melbourne Southbank Suites or any other Melbourne CBD hotels will also find that the library's reading rooms provide the peace and quiet required to study or leaf through their holiday reads.