State Library Victoria to temporarily close

State Library Victoria will close to the public from tomorrow Monday 16 March 2020 in a preventative step to help stem the spread of COVID-19 in the Victorian community.

Other Victorian Government cultural agencies will also close, including the National Gallery of Victoria and Museums Victoria.

The Library is doing this proactively in the interests of staff and the public as a cautious and prudent response in an evolving situation.

State Library CEO, Kate Torney said the decision was not taken lightly. “While we regret having to close the Library, this is the right thing to do in what are extraordinary times. We want to take all precautions to support the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, volunteers, tenants and of course our visitors, as well as the broader community.

“The Library is an important place for many, especially the most vulnerable in our community, and we are working through what services we can continue to provide or enhance for online access.

“We know this is also a distressing and uncertain time for our staff and we are doing all that we can to support our fantastic team during this difficult time,” she said.

Victorians can access librarians remotely through the online Ask a Librarian chat service, along with free online access to library collections and ebooks, journals and other databases with a library membership.

Those without a current membership can easily join for free at slv.vic.gov.au/join.

Updates on Library services will be published on the Library’s website, social media channels and via email to subscribers. For up-to-date health information go to the COVID-19 information hub established by the Department of Health and Human Services.