Half a century in the dome

Geoffrey Paterson is a retired geography teacher who has been coming to the dome since the '60s.

I have used the dome for some 50 years, starting early in my high school years.

In 1963  the dome was a world removed from the hustle and bustle of Swanston Street.

Its dim interior, lofty ceiling, matching desks and chairs, green lamps and hushed environment seemed to have been there forever although it was then only 50 years old.

My first use was most likely to read past issues of journals related to my interest in Victorian rail and tram history. I had heard about these magazines so I climbed the stairs to the dome, used the card catalogue to identify holdings, submitted my stack request and waited expectantly for the man to either arrive by lift or descend the spiral staircase with the journals I’d requested.

I also used the dome to undertake some additional reading for school assignments. Later still, as a geography teacher, I found that the Library provided ready access to periodicals, books and maps. More recently still I've used dome resources for historical research and to write articles.

I grew up and still live in South Caulfield, which until the mid ‘60s did not have a municipal public library. While my primary and high school libraries were well stocked, some materials were not available there. The State Library was an accessible alternative, being a tram fare away and open seven days a week both day and evening. It was convenient that most resources were readily available and no membership was required.

In mid-February 2013 I sat in the dome consulting a book and a serial found on the open shelves. I was able to come in, collect the book, sit down, plug in my laptop, make notes from the book and then leave. Using the Victorian municipal directory I was able to check multiple years of serials without having to make a stack request. The ability to speedily undertake these tasks makes good use of my time and shows that, while the dome is 100 years old, it is as relevant today as it was when it opened in 1913.

I am confident that I will continue to use the dome into its second century, as it provides me with ready access to a wide range of materials relevant to my interests.