Kids’ Takeover

Join us at the Library as we transform our spaces into an interactive and colourful playground for children.

From the forecourt to the Quad, the Library will be bursting with creative activities and mind-expanding experiences for kids and their grownups.

Discover the program below. All activities are free unless otherwise stated.

Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter 

Explore the magic of Skunk Control’s floating landscape in the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter. Unravel nature’s hidden stories with a unique and hands-on creative STEM activity. 

This program is supported by the Gandel Foundation, with artwork supported by the Department of Education and Training. 

Information Centre/Quad 

Journey down the rabbit hole in the Library’s Information Centre/Quad and papercraft your own piece of Alice in Wonderland with Paperazzi!

Create Quarter

Meet us in the Create Quarter to join the circus! Circus Nexus (previously known as Westside Circus) will lead a fun and dynamic experience, where you can explore a range of circus skills and try out different equipment under the guidance of their expert coaches. 

Information Centre

Join us in the Information Centre for all-day craft activities and roving performers. Plus, celebrate Victoria’s history and record some of your own story in a Flashback!

Conversation Quarter

Paid activity, 11.30am and 12.15pm

Delight in the tricks and tales of magician and author Nicholas J Johnson! With mystifying manoeuvres and stories steeped in sorcery, Nicholas will enchant families with a show that offers up secrets, as well as fun surprises. 

This experience is aimed at ages 5-12 and their parents or guardians. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  

Tickets are $20 per child ($15 for Family members), adults join for free, and include general entry to all free Kids’ Takeover activities.  

Family members are also invited to redeem their annual complimentary tickets at this event.  

Conversation Quarter

Paid activity, 2.00pm-2.45pm

Australia’s favourite bubble man, Dr Hubble, is heading to the Library to introduce you to the magic and intricate beauty of bubbles in a show that will entertain and enthral the whole family. 

This experience is aimed at ages 5-12 and their parents or guardians. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

Tickets are $20 per child ($15 for Family member), adults join for free, and include general entry to all free Kids’ Takeover activities. 

Family members are also invited to redeem their annual complimentary tickets at this event. 

Sign up for a Family membership today to receive a discount!

Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter, supported by Gandel Foundation, is a purpose-built space for children and families to read, learn and play, with an associated program of activities

Please note: while at the Library, you might also want to check out our exciting summer event, State Library Bricktoria: building the dome. Where you can watch the Brickman’s team piece together a large-scale LEGO® brick model of State Library Victoria. Bookings are required. 

Planning your visit

State Library Victoria is a Child Safe Organisation.

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Visitors over the age of 12 years and two months will need to check in using the Service Victoria app and will be asked to provide proof of vaccination, either with a digital certificate linked to the Service Vic app or a printed copy of their vaccination certificate along with identification. Read more about a COVID-safe Library.