Access & 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 in La Trobe Street.
There are four 2-hour parking spaces for people with a disability permit in 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
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 our pop-up 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. Please note that we are unable to provide staff to push wheelchairs. You can book a wheelchair ahead of your visit by filling out this form, or by contacting the Access and Inclusion Librarian on 8664 7005 or by emailing [email protected].
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 workstation zones for visitors with vision, mobility, literacy or cognitive requirements.
These are located in the Quad Information Centre on Level 2 (ground floor), and the Redmond Barry Reading Room, Level 2A.
For more information, call the Access and Inclusion Librarian on 8664 7005 or speak to staff in the Redmond Barry Reading Room or Quad Information Centre when you arrive.
Learn more about assistive technology at the Library through our disability research guide.
Assistive Technology Zone in the Quad
Two large-screen computers on height-adjustable workstations offer assistive software:
- screenreading: NVDA and Jaws
- text to speech: Jaws
- literacy: Read and Write
- voice recognition: Read and Write
- magnification: Windows Magnifier
- scanning text to speech: Pearl camera and OpenBook software.
You can choose an alternative keyboard option such as Large Keys (black on yellow) and an alternative mouse option, including track-ball or joystick.
There is also a desktop video magnifier for reading books and documents.
Assistive Technology Zone in Redmond Barry Reading Room
One large-screen computer on a height-adjustable workstation. There are alternative keyboard options like Large Keys (black on white) and an alternative mouse option, including track-ball or joystick.
- screenreading: NVDA and Jaws
- text to speech: Jaws
- literacy: Read and Write
- magnification: Windows Magnifier
- scanning text to speech: Pearl Camera and OpenBook software.
There is also a desktop magnifier for reading books and documents.
Reading assistance tools
Book rests, magnifying sheets, illuminated magnifiers and magnifying glasses 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.
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 & PCs.
Library events & 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 & 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 [email protected].
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.