LA TROBE READING ROOM

A couple of weeks ago, I made a cheeky little day trip over to the bustling city of Melbourne to run a few errands and become a snap happy tourist for the day – and oh boy, was I ever!

For those of you who haven’t travelled to Melbourne (or maybe even Australia), it’s the second most populated capital city in Australia with over 4.2 million residents – following Sydney’s 4.6 million – and home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Travelling through Melbourne, you’ll come across Federation Square, the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Grounds), the Eureka Tower, Hosier Lane and so many more wonderful touristy spots.

One that I, personally, believe everyone should hit up whenever they’re in Melbourne, is the absolutely stunning State Library of Victoria. A gorgeous and H U G E building that initially was home to just 3,846 books when it opened in 1856 and now holds over 2 million books! Every turn brings a new surprise whether it be the peaceful study areas, ancient architectural ceilings, rows and rows of endless books or the historical paintings found in the gallery. There is so much to look at in this stunning building.

However, it has become a well-known fact that one cannot just simply go to the State Library of Victoria and not go to – what I believe to be – the best part of it, the utterly captivating, jaw-dropping, heartbeat-skipping, mind-boggling room that is The La Trobe Reading Room.

The La Trobe Reading Room, first opened in 1913, can house over 32,000 books in this six-story architectural wonder! I don’t even think Rory Gilmore could read that many in her lifetime. It looks rather different these days to what it did when it was first constructed, copper sheeting lining the walls and roof to keep the rain out which is now made of glass. Now that I think about it, the way the roof has been constructed is actually quite similar to that of Gringotts in Harry Potter.

“The atmosphere of the place soothed her automatically; the rich lantern lights, the sheer scent of paper and leather, and the fact that everywhere she looked, there were books, books, beautiful books.” – The Invisible Library, Genevieve Cogman 

That’s how it felt walking into The La Trobe Reading Room, it was a vision of beauty holding a world of untold stories. Stepping off of the elevator and walking towards the entrance, I could feel my heart pounding and my palms sweaty with nerves. This room was what my ultimate goal to see on my day trip, the top of my list. And as I turned the corner, I saw the entrance and the room that held all my dreams for that day. I stepped through the doors, my mouth hung open, eyes darting every which way, not sure what to focus on, and my brain cells had fizzled out.

It certainly was an out of body experience, taking in the whole room, each level, the details on the architraves and the ceiling. The shelves were lined with old books – in a rainbow order, might I add – and the quotes written around the room from famous authors, poets and playwrights.

Every inch of this bewildering beauty will capture your heart and wash an enchantment over you, one that you never wish to wear off.

If ever you find yourself wondering around the city of Melbourne, I highly recommend taking a look at the State Library of Victoria and of course, The La Trobe Reading Room. Seriously, you’ll regret it more if you don't make a visit.