VPRS 12183 Unsorted Papers

Established in 1856 the functions of Victorias public library have been to provide reference and research library services in its own building and a support service to municipal libraries. Historically this agency has been known as the Melbourne Public Library (1856-1869) and the Public Library of Victoria (1869-1960). Since 1960 the Library has been referred to as the State Library of Victoria.This series consists of a variety of displaced Public Library papers dated between 1870 and 1896. The series consists of the following:A letter found among old newspapers and magazines in the ceiling of a terrace house in Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park. The letter was a response from the Public Library dated in 1895 to a gentleman who offered to install electric lighting.Entitled A Report of the Librarian on the establishment of a Town Lending Branch in connection with the Melbourne Public Library, this paper argued for the establishment of a Lending Library. It outlined the arguments for and against the establishment of a Lending Library and used extensive examples from overseas to boost their argument. The report was written in 1882, ten years before the Public Library actually established a Lending Library.1896 salary lists for attendants in the Public Library, Industrial and Technological Museum as well as the National Museum and National Gallery.A synopsis of the classification of books in the Public Library, from the years 1870-1880. The list was annotated and amended by Sir Redmond Barry, President of the Trustees.The draft of a speech made in the 1870s for the Trustees of the Public Library.Notes and prices of an insurance policy taken out by the Trustees in 1873.