Opening hours

Each year we welcome over a million visitors to our glorious heritage building in Melbourne's CBD. If you're planning a visit, here's when we're open, how to get here and our printable Library map.

Library opening hours

The Library is open 10am to 6pm, seven days a week. Find out more about a COVID-safe Library.

The Ian Potter Queen's Hall is open daily 10am to 5pm.

Mr Tulk cafe is open daily 8am to 5pm. Hansen Hall is open from 8am Monday to Friday, and 8:30am Saturday and Sunday, accessible via Mr Tulk cafe.

Russell Street Welcome Zone and the Guild Cafe is open daily at 9am Monday to Friday, and 10am Saturday and Sunday.

Cowen Gallery, including the North and South Rotundas, have the same opening hours as the main public areas except when closed for functions.

Readings bookshop is open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Public holidays 2025

The Library is closed on these public holidays:

New Year's Day – Wednesday 1 January
Good Friday – Friday 18 April
Christmas Day – Thursday 25 December
Boxing Day – Friday 26 December

The Library is open 10am to 6pm on these public holidays:

Australia Day – Monday 27 January
Labour Day – Monday 10 March
Easter Saturday to Easter Monday – 19 April to 21 April, inclusive
Anzac Day – Friday 25 April
King's Birthday – Monday 9 June
AFL Grand Final eve – Friday 26 September
Melbourne Cup Day – Tuesday 4 November