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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 (pdf, 4 MB).

Library opening hours

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

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

Mr Tulk cafe is open daily 8am–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.

Public holidays 2024

The Library is closed on these public holidays:

  • New Year's Day  – Monday 1 January
  • Good Friday – Friday 29 March
  • Christmas Day – Wednesday 25 December
  • Boxing Day – Thursday 26 December

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

  • Australia Day – Friday 26 January (please note Readings State Library will be open 12-5pm on 26 January)
  • Labour Day – Monday 11 March
  • Easter Saturday – 30 March to Easter Monday 1 April, inclusive
  • Anzac Day – Thursday 25 April
  • King's Birthday – Monday 10 June
  • AFL Grand Final eve – subject to AFL schedule
  • Melbourne Cup Day – Tuesday 5 November