‘Reimagined’ State Library open for business follow two-year redevelopment

The two-year $88 million redevelopment of the State Library is officially complete, with its new spaces set to be a hit with visitors of all ages. Take a look inside the new-look library.

The State Library is back in business following its two-year redevelopment, with a dedicated children’s area the highlight of the new-look library. Picture: Rebecca Michael.

A new chapter opens today at the State Library.

After two years of construction, the library’s $88 million Vision 2020 redevelopment has finished and its new spaces are ready for the public to use.

Among the new rooms is the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter — the library’s first-ever dedicated area for children to read, learn and play.

The newly renovated spaces are set to be a hit with visitors of all ages. Picture: AAP

The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall can be transformed into an event venue at night. Picture: AAP

The original reading room, the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, has reopened for the first time since 2003 and will act as a reading room by day and event venue by night.

State Library chief executive Kate Torney said the 19th-century building had been “reimagined for the 21st century”.

State Library chief executive says the building as been “reimagined for the 21st century”. Picture: AAP

The Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter is the library’s first ever area dedicated to children. Picture: AAP

Ms Torney said the revamp gave the library 40 per cent more public space – with a mix of areas catering to a variety of visitors.

“There are people coming in with their children, but also researchers, academics and writers who want quiet, traditional library spaces. So this redevelopment acknowledges we’re here for everyone. Everyone is welcome in a library,” she said.

“It’s been a big project so it’s absolutely fantastic to see it all come together.”

The State Library is the fourth most-visited library in the world. Picture: AAP

The library, which opened in 1856, is the fourth most-visited library in the world.

Ms Torney said the redesigned library would help visitor numbers continue to grow.

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“With this physical reimagination of what a library should be in the 21st century, it strengthens our reputation across the world; we should be really proud of this.”

The Vision 2020 makeover was funded through $60 million from the State Government and $27 million in philanthropic donations.

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