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Plan a school visit

How to book a program

Bookings are essential for all school groups visiting the Library. 

You can book a free self-guided trail or a facilitated program by visiting our school programs.   

Once you have selected your program, follow the steps to book a time and date to attend. You can book a program anytime, up to four weeks prior to your visit. 

Book as early as possible to ensure availability of programs, especially for large groups. 

Preparing for your visit

We ask all visitors to help maintain a COVID-safe environment. 

Health and safety

We have a number of measures in place to ensure you and your students have a safe experience when visiting the Library: 

  • Hand hygiene facilities are available throughout the Library building.
  • Students and staff are encouraged to remain home if feeling unwell.
  • Masks are no longer mandatory for visitors, but you are welcome to wear one as a personal choice.
  • Teachers are responsible for retaining a record of all participants attending the Library for contact tracing purposes.
  • All visitors under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult. 
  • All visitors must adhere to the Library's Conditions of Entry.
  • Please refer to our COVID-safe Library and FAQ’s for more information to help plan your visit.

Bus and parking

The main entrance to the Library is on Swanston Street. Free, temporary bus parking is available in the 30-minute bus parking bay outside the Library’s conference centre and theatrette on La Trobe Street. 

Day parking for buses is available on Russell Street. Bus parking bays are located north of the Russell Street and La Trobe Street intersection, and north of the Russell Street and Bourke Street intersection. Additional parking is available on Mackenzie Street, near the corner of Russell and La Trobe streets. 

Please note: warn students to be alert when stepping off the bus, as they will need to cross a bike lane to reach the footpath.

Train and tram

You can get to the Library on public transport by travelling to Melbourne Central Station on the City Loop. If you’re travelling from regional Victoria, you can transfer to metropolitan trains at Southern Cross or North Melbourne stations. 

Trams run on Swanston Street, and the Melbourne City Circle tram passes the Library on La Trobe Street. 

Transport and program bursaries

Free programs and subsidised transport are available for schools with an ICSEA less than 1000. 

Find out your schools’ ICSEA rating.

If you’d like to find out more about our transport and program bursaries, and eligibility requirements, email [email protected]

Food & baggage

Food and drink are not allowed inside the Library; see our food and drink policy for more information. If the weather is fine, the Library's front lawn and forecourt is recommended for recess and lunch breaks.

We recommend that on the day of your excursion, students do not bring large school bags if possible – please see our baggage policy for more information.

Cameras are permitted provided a flash isn't used.

State Library Victoria is a Child Safe Organisation. Learn more about how we are working to ensure the wellbeing of children visiting the Library.