STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA

Access and Inclusion Librarian

An Access and Inclusion Librarian is available to assist visitors with disabilities and their carers to access the collection and library services. The Access and Inclusion Librarian can be contacted at accessinclusion@slv.vic.gov.au or on (03) 8664 7005.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair users entering via the Swanston Street Welcome Zone should use the ramp at La Trobe Street, near the corner of Swanston Street. If entering via the Russell Street Welcome Zone, use Entry 5 via La Trobe Street, near the corner of Russell Street. Access to the Conference Centre and State Library Victoria Theatrette is via Entry 3 on La Trobe Street. 

A courtesy wheelchair is available for visitors attending events and exhibitions. Book a wheelchair ahead of your visit by using the online booking form or by calling (03) 8664 7000 between 10 AM and 5:45 PM daily.

Lifts provide access to the Gateway Zone and Cowen Gallery, The Ian Potter Queen's Hall, Dome Galleries, Redmond Barry Reading Room (except the mezzanine – please ask staff for assistance), La Trobe Reading Room and Heritage Collections Reading Room.

Accessible Toilets

There are separate male and female accessible toilets in:

• Hansen Hall in the Swanston Street Welcome Zone on Level 2 (ground floor)

• Gateway, Level 2 (ground floor), next to the lifts

• Russell Street Welcome Zone, via Entry 5 on La Trobe Street

• The Ian Potter Queen's Hall

The Children's Quarter, Level 2 (ground floor), has joint facilities for carers and children.

Quiet Spaces 

The Arts Reading Room is a designated silent room. Recommendations for other quiet and low-sensory spaces include the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall and the Study Space located above the Create Quarter.

Assistive Technology 

The library has three dedicated assistive technology workstations for visitors with accessibility requirements, located in the Information Centre on Level 2 (ground floor) and the Redmond Barry Reading Room, Level 2A. Bookings are for one hour, but sessions can be extended depending on demand.

Book rests, magnifying sheets and illuminated magnifiers for readers with low vision are available in the Redmond Barry Reading Room and Information Centre.

Learn more about the wide range of assistive technology available at the library at https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/assistivetech. 

Free Wi-Fi and PCs

Wi-fi is freely available throughout the library; simply choose the State Library Victoria network to connect. Twenty-five computers for general use, including internet browsing, are available in the Information Centre on Level 2. Bookings for these may be made on the PC reservation computer nearby. Extended access may be available for library users with disabilities; ask staff for assistance.

Hearing Loops 

Venues and spaces with permanent audio hearing loops are as follows:

• State Library Victoria Theatrette

• Ian Potter Queen’s Hall

• Hansen Hall

• Digital lab and Study Room – both in Create Quarter

• Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter

• Ideas Quarter mezzanine

• Create Quarter

Portable hearing loops are available for visitors attending tours who are hard of hearing. To borrow a unit, inquire in the Welcome Zone or at the tour meeting point.

National Relay Service

Contact us through the National Relay Service, asking for 8664 7002.

Companion Card

If you require support from a companion, they will receive free entry to any paid library events on presentation of a Companion Card.

Further Information

Registered assistance animals are welcome in the library. Please ask staff at the Information Centre if you require a water bowl. For more information on accessibility in the library, and to download a map showing accessible facilities and access points, visit www.slv.vic.gov.au/visit/access-and-inclusion.