The State Library of Victoria is holding a free exhibition from today until the 2 February 2014 showing how the Library was designed in the 1850's as a way of providing working people with free and equitable access to information.
The theme of the exhibition is 'free, secular and democratic' refers to the liberal founding principles of the Melbourne Public Library focusing on the Library’s first 60 years.
It aims to bring together key documents and artefacts from each institution that began at the Library and positions them within the architectural history of the site.
Sue Roberts CEO and State Librarian said free, secular and democratic is a fascinating glimpse into Melbourne’s past and shows how forward-thinking some of our early leaders were.
"The world’s first public libraries appeared in England in 1850. Here on the other side of the world we created ours just three years later.
Public Library 1860, watercolour.
"There was a lot happening in Victoria at that time – we’d just separated from New South Wales, gold was discovered, the population was booming but in the middle of all this we created a great library that became Victoria’s cultural centrepiece. What is inspiring about this story is its ambition, its idealism, and its legacy today reflected in Melbourne’s deep and continuing cultural growth."
This exhibition will also feature a program of public talks and events. To find out more, click here.
