Access and inclusion
The Library provides facilities and services for people with a temporary or permanent disability.
To read more about the Library's commitment to ensuring we're accessible by all, go to our page on Inclusion, Diversity and Access. You can also view our Disability Action Plan.
Parking
There are three 2-hour parking spaces for people with a disability permit on La Trobe Street, outside the State Library Conference Centre.
There are four 2-hour parking spaces for people with a disability permit on Little Lonsdale Street, between Swanston and Russell streets, outside the Wheeler Centre.
There is also a single 2-hour parking space for people with a disability permit on the west side of Russell Street, north of the La Trobe Street intersection, outside RMIT Building 20.
Wheelchair access
Disability permit parking spaces are marked on the above map with a black and white P logo. Wheelchair accessible entrances are marked with a black and white wheelchair logo. Please note that the map is not shown to scale.
Swanston Street Welcome Zone: use the ramp at La Trobe Street, near the corner of Swanston Street.
Russell Street Welcome Zone: use Entry 5 via La Trobe Street, near the corner of Russell Street.
Conference Centre and State Library Victoria Theatrette: access via Entry 3 on La Trobe Street.
Cafes: visit Guild Cafe via Entry 5, La Trobe Street. Enter Mr Tulk via the ramp at La Trobe Street, Entry 2.
Courtesy wheelchair
A courtesy wheelchair is available for visitors attending Library events and exhibitions. We are unable to provide staff to push wheelchairs.
Book a wheelchair ahead of your visit by using the online booking form or by calling 03 8664 7000, between 10am–5.45pm daily.
Moving within the Library
Lifts provide access to the Gateway Zone and Cowen Gallery, The Ian Potter Queen's Hall, Dome Galleries, Redmond Barry Reading Room (except the mezzanine – please ask staff for assistance), La Trobe Reading Room and Heritage Collections Reading Room.
To see the layout of the Library, download a map in the 'More to explore' section at the bottom of this page.
Accessible toilets
There are separate male and female accessible toilets in these Library spaces:
- Hansen Hall, just near the entrance to Mr Tulk, in the Swanston Street Welcome Zone on Level 2 (ground floor)
- Gateway, Level 2 (ground floor), adjacent to the lifts
- Russell Street Welcome Zone, via Entry 5 on La Trobe Street
- The Ian Potter Queen's Hall
- The Children's Quarter, Level 2 (ground floor), has joint facilities for carers and children.
Assistive technology workstations
The Library has two dedicated assistive technology workstations for visitors with accessibility requirements, such as vision, mobility or literacy requirements.
These workstations are in the Quad Information Centre on Level 2 (ground floor), and the Redmond Barry Reading Room, Level 2A.
Learn more about assistive technology at the Library through our guide, Assistive technology at State Library Victoria.
For more information, speak to staff in the Redmond Barry Reading Room or Quad Information Centre when you arrive. Alternatively, contact the Access and Inclusion Librarian by email at accessinclusion@slv.vic.gov.au or by phone on 03 8664 7005.
Reading assistance tools
Book rests, magnifying sheets and illuminated magnifiers for readers with low vision are available in the Redmond Barry Reading Room and Quad Information Centre.
Please ask staff in the area for assistance if required, or visit the Assistive technology at State Library Victoria guide – magnifiers section.
Free wi-fi and PCs
Wi-fi is freely available throughout the Library. Simply choose the State Library Victoria network to connect.
Computers for general use, including internet browsing, are available in the Quad Information Centre on Level 2 (ground floor). Bookings for these may be made on the PC reservation computer nearby.
Extended access may be available for Library users with disability, where necessary. Please see staff in the Quad Information Centre or the Redmond Barry Reading Room for assistance.
For more information, visit Wi-fi and PCs.
Library events and tours
The Library offers free guided tours of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Portable hearing loop units are available for visitors attending tours who are Hard of Hearing. To borrow a unit, please inquire in the Welcome Zone, or at the tour meeting point.
Venues and spaces with permanent audio hearing loops
- State Library Victoria Theatrette
- Ian Potter Queen’s Hall
- Hansen Hall
- Digital lab and Study room – both in Create Quarter
- Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter
- Ideas Quarter mezzanine
- Create Quarter.
We can provide temporary hearing loops for our other event venues. For unbooked events, inquire, as above.
Companion card
If you require support from a companion, and qualify for a Companion card, that person will receive free entry to any paid Library events on presentation of that card.
If you book a ticket over the phone, please let us know that you require a Companion ticket.
More information
Access and Inclusion Librarian
The Access and Inclusion Librarian is available to assist visitors with disability and their carers. In addition, the Access and Inclusion Librarian can provide information and referrals to other agencies that may be of assistance to people with accessibility needs.
If you need further assistance or information, please contact our Access and Inclusion Librarian on 03 8664 7005 or email accessinclusion@slv.vic.gov.au.
National Relay Service
Contact us through the National Relay Service:
- for accessibility inquiries, ask for 8664 7005 to speak to the Access and Inclusion Librarian
- for all other inquiries, ask for 8664 7002.
For more information, visit the National Relay Service website.