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Access all areas with Library’s new membership program

Media release

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Tuesday 09 March 2021


State Library Victoria today launched a new membership program designed to reward curious minds with additional and exclusive access to some of the Library’s spaces, resources and events.

The reimagined membership program follows the $88 million transformation of the Library’s spaces and services and reflects the changing needs of the community with benefits tailored to culture, family and student members.

At the heart of the program is the Library’s free Access Membership, offering unlimited access to thousands of e-resources and over five million books, photographs, artworks, maps and more. 

Paid memberships will be available to those seeking an enhanced experience of Australia’s oldest and busiest public library. Benefits include VIP tours, talks and exhibition previews for culture-lovers; complimentary tickets to school holiday programs and special children’s author talks for families, and value-added access to services for students. 

State Library Victoria CEO, Kate Torney said she was excited about welcoming more Victorians to the Library’s thriving membership community.

“We asked Victorians what they wanted most in a Library membership and while the answers were as diverse as our community, we believe we’ve created a program that suits the rapidly changing needs of our visitors onsite and online.

“In addition to the benefits of the program, becoming a member of the Library is a great way to support an institution dedicated to nurturing knowledge, curiosity and life-long learning,” said Ms Torney.

THE NEW MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Access membership (free) – enables access to more than five million collection items, thousands of online databases and e-resources (Victorian residents only); the ability to order digital copies and extracts of collection items; book meeting rooms and creative technology studios; use digital copying services; personalise catalogue options and receive a monthly newsletter. All current Library members will rollover to this membership, meaning there are more than 150,000 Access Members already.

Student membership ($78/year) – includes all the benefits of Access Membership, plus: access to the Library’s dedicated SWOTVAC student zone; career-building speaker and networking events; guided Library induction tours with Library experts, and extended booking access to meeting rooms, study spaces, studios and post-production equipment. 

Family membership ($96/year) (up to 2 adults and as many children within the household) – includes all the benefits of Access Membership, plus: two complimentary tickets per year to school holiday programs (additional tickets can be purchased at member pricing); discounted kids’ lunch packs at Mr Tulk café; access to exclusive experiences at family programs and events, and special offers from Library partners.

Culture membership ($119/year) – includes all the benefits of Access Membership, plus: exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences; priority entry to secure the best seats at select programs and events; invitations to exhibition previews, and a three-month digital subscription to The Saturday Paper. 

All paid memberships include: 10% off at Mr Tulk café (excluding happy hour); 10% off full-priced books at Readings State Library Bookshop; early-bird booking access to select programs; access to exclusive content and offers, and reciprocal rights at the National Library of Australia and other select Libraries.

INFORMATION FOR EXISTING MEMBERS

The new memberships replace the existing Friends of the Library program, which has been the only paid membership offer for individuals for the past 55 years. All current Friends will be automatically upgraded to the Culture membership, and will receive the La Trobe Journal and Lounge access as legacy benefits. 

The new memberships are in addition to the Library’s StartSpace membership program that is tailored for people who are actively working on an early-stage small business or startup idea and the Library’s Corporate membership program which targets industry leaders from a range of sectors. 

For further information or to become a Library member, please visit: slv.vic.gov.au/membership