Beautiful building with interesting exhibits. Worth walking through it to see the reading room. (Feel free to sit down and read newspapers, books or magazines.) Centrally located in the CBD near many trams and trains.

The SLV has a fascinating history of Jewish learning and culture "Luminous -- A Thousand Years of Hebrew Manuscripts." The scripts have marvelous diversity, from Middle East to Maimonides, a Jewish great intellectual and thinker from the Middle Ages. The display is sure to enthrall visitors. Entry is free.

It is a beautiful building inside and out and cool to wander around. The ground floor had a Jewish culture free exhibition, first floor museum had artwork to explore. The library itself was spacious and clearly well utilised which was great to see.

Whatever millions were spent revamping this old stone Duchess of a building, it’s been recouped in spades. In every room, at all levels, crowds are involved with reading, looking, learning, playing. The main hall dome, filling the huge space with natural light, has everyone taking its photo. The children’s space is enchanting. 2 chess games at the entrance had parents teaching youngsters how to play. The current “Illuminated” exhibition until 4 April, shows written Hebrew books from over 1000 years ago, on loan from the British Library as well as local artifacts. It’s an amazing collection, with interesting sound track backing. And everything is free.

Great place to go on a hot day in Melbourne and wonder through the galleries. Much more than what I expected. Highly recommended if you’re in the area. Like someone said, not a tourist venue for the average tourist, but great for intelligent explorers.

This place is simply incredible. What an amazing building and what an amazing public resource. It really does do the State and Australia proud. The building is beautiful and has so many difference spaces to enjoy. Amazing displays and amazing exhibitions. We spent several hours here and loved it. So highly recommended!

One of our bucket list places to see, the State Library is an amazing historical Melbourne building housing some amazing exhibitions. Currently running Melbourne Out Loud, the works of Australian photographer Rennie Ellis, take the time to visit. so many things to see and experience, hard to believe this is where the Melbourne Museum was housed before moving to its current location. Such beautiful architecture, when in Melbourne it is a must see. The historic reading room is amazing, and take the time to go up to the top of the dome to look down and reading about the restoration of the dome. I have lived in Melbourne my entire life and hadn't visited the State Library, please take the time to see this truly incredible landmark.

Wow, wow, wow- what an amazing surprise. Loved this and a brilliant place for history of writing, books and that reading room with Dome is amazing. Would love to do my studies here. The lift is a pain as one lift and lots of visitors but well worth the wait. Brilliant job Victoria!

What a building, and what a view from level 6 and walk your way down!! There is a classy formal area that's obviously the main attraction and original area and there is also the modern study space available too. Gave me the Harry Potter vibe but stunning set up.