The Victorian Public Library

This story was an impression of the Dome by 14 year old Melbourne High School student John Miller, published in the MHS magazine Unicorn in July 1945:

"All is still and quiet, save for the rustling of pages, and the occasional rattling of a ladder against the book-lined wall. Yes, it is the Public Library. Of the hundreds of people who visit this institution, how many know the facts of its history and construction? In 1853, due to the untiring efforts of Sir Redmond Barry, the Library was founded. By 1856 the building was ready for use; it was 50 feet square, and contained 7,000 volumes. However, due to the gold rush, Melbourne's population grew, and, by 1865, this library was too small for the needs of the reading public. Plans were drawn up, and, in 1867, construction began on the present building, which was completed in 1870.

Hexagonal in shape, it is made of ferro-concrete, glass and brick, and is fireproof. The great dome, 114 feet high, and the same distance in diameter, is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. On the shelves of its three stories 750,000 volumes are kept. The reading room has accommodation for more than 450 readers. This is, indeed, one place in Melbourne of which we can be justly proud."

-John Miller (4g)

[The original Library buildings facing Swanston Street were completed in three stages between 1856 and 1864, the Portico was added in 1870. The architects for the Dome were engaged in 1909, the Dome was opened November 14, 1913]