VPRS 84 Inward Correspondence Files

This series consists of correspondence relating to the establishment and stocking of the Melbourne Public Library, currently known as the State Library of Victoria.The contents of these files date almost exclusively from 1853 and were received from this time by the first Library Trustees (chaired by Redmond Barry) who reported to the Colonial/Chief Secretary's Department. The Library itself commenced operations in 1856. At least one item dates from 1848 and this was addressed to a Committee for the Public Library predating these first Trustees. Further research is needed about this Committee.