With exposed wires, wilting carpet and its beautiful skylight covered, the room where Melbourne’s first public library opened in 1856 was a sad sight when it closed to the public 16 years ago. Now an $88 million overhaul has brought it back to life
Jason South
In its first years, even before gaslight, the hall — the library’s then-reading room — relied on natural light from its fish scale-patterned skylight.reported that a ‘‘terrific fusillade’’ of hailstones shattered the skylight, sending ‘‘bullets’’ of ice and shards of plate glass hurtling towards readers below.
Ms Torney said the entire library renovation — unveiled by Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley on Thursday at 10am with a morning of activities, would not have gone ahead without philanthropists contributing $28 million of the $88 million cost, with the State Government funding the balance.The ‘‘new’’ library boasts 40 per cent more floor space. And there are now 1,964 seats — a 70 per cent increase.
The third space off the Quad is the Conversation Quarter — a public forum for lectures, conferences and workshops. The fourth space is the Create Quarter where visitors can record podcasts and groups can meet.
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