Libraries & Disasters

Hill of Content: human chain helps 103-year-old Melbourne bookshop relocate Around 300 people showed up at Hill of Content today, forming a human chain to help move 17,000 books.

✨ 167 years young!

Today we celebrate another Library birthday.

At 3pm in 1856, State Library Victoria (then known as the Melbourne Public Library) opened its doors for the very first time.

Upon opening, the Library was one of the first free public libraries in the world with a humble 3000 books in the collection.

While the Library has remained on the same two-acre allotment since 1856, the structure you see today is made up of around 24 individual buildings that have changed dramatically over the years.

🏛️ Learn more about our history here: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/visit/history-our-building
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We hope you're still taking something new away from every Library visit!⁠

👉 Join us! www.slv.vic.gov.au/membership
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📷 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/172544
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