Guild members uncover rare spaces and stories
La Trobe Guild members were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the State Library Victoria, exploring everything from the grandeur of the La Trobe Reading Room to the hidden depths of the catacombs.
On Wednesday 9 July, La Trobe Guild members gathered for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the State Library Victoria. The morning began with a warm welcome and morning tea, hosted in the Seminar Room. Margo Powell, Chief Advancement Officer, opened the event, followed by reflections from Vice-Chancellor Theo Farrell.
Guests then split into two groups to begin their journey through the Library’s most iconic and rarely accessed spaces. From the La Trobe Reading Room, referred to as the ‘Dome’ for its magnificent domed ceiling, to the hidden depths of the catacombs, the tour offered a rich investigation of the architecture and history of the State Library.
Among the first stops was the beautifully restored Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, where Guild members stood beneath ornate chandeliers and skylights in the jewel of the Library's unique heritage spaces. In this space, natural light flows through the ornate, filigree-patterned original skylights – which were designed to extend reading hours before gas lighting was available.
The tour continued through the Redmond Barry Reading Room – named after the judge who sentenced Ned Kelly – where guests got to view Ned Kelly’s iconic armour on display.
‘The Dome to Catacombs tour was just wonderful. I know the Library quite well, but we certainly saw amazing & previously unknown spaces!’ – La Trobe Guild Member
Guild members then visited the Pendulum Staircase, a striking central well once home to a Foucault pendulum that demonstrated the Earth’s rotation. Though the pendulum is no longer present, its fixing point remains visible, and the compass diagram on the marble floor remains a testament to the Library’s past.
Other fascinating facts emerged throughout the tour, including that the Library comprises 23 interconnected buildings, and once housed the National Museum.
The experience concluded with a rare look behind “authorised access only” doors, where Guild members discovered the original card catalogue, created in 1884. Nestled deep in the catacombs, this treasure trove contains hand-written copperplate entries recording over 750,000 titles across 80 years.
‘The whole event was delightful & I spoke to many lovely people. Great morning tea also!’ – La Trobe Guild Member
We are grateful to all the La Trobe Guild members who joined us for this memorable event – a celebration of legacy, learning, and the lasting impact of those who invest in the future of education.
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