As you approach the intersection, look to your right and you'll see a modern building with large, reflective glass windows. The structure has three main visible stories adorned with horizontal bands giving it a sleek, contemporary look. Pay attention to the sign near the entrance that reads "State Library of Tasmania" - that's your landmark!
Now, let's dive into the wonderful world of the State Library of Tasmania! Established initially as the "Tasmanian Public Library" in 1849, this library has gone through quite the adventure. Initially opened in a house thanks to a government grant, it became public property in 1860, though it faced some rocky roads early on and had to shut down in 1867 due to financial difficulties.
The magic wasn't lost though - in 1870, a new public reference library opened in the Hobart Town Hall, To add some sparkle to this tale, American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie decided to fund the library's move in 1907, with one condition: offering a free lending service. Now that’s a deal we can all get behind, right?
Fast forward to 1943, the Libraries Act was passed, formally establishing the State Library of Tasmania. Over time, its footprint spread across the state, though government rationalizations led to the closure of some branches.
Then came 2006, a year of integration, where the Library combined forces with the Archives Office, Adult Education, and online access centers to form the Community Knowledge Network - later known as LINC Tasmania in 2009, and ultimately Libraries Tasmania in 2018.
Today, this cornerstone at the corner of Murray and Bathurst Streets isn't just home to a vast collection of over 200,000 books, periodicals, and more; it's also a hub for historical and ongoing research. The W. L. Crowther Library, part of this institution, brims with historical treasures amassed by Sir William Crowther. And let’s not forget the wonderful Allport family collection featuring colonial-era artworks, Georgian furniture, and a lot more.
If that wasn’t enough, in 1998 the State Library began the "Our Digital Island" project to preserve selected Tasmanian websites for posterity. Imagine a time capsule for the internet, with over 9000 captures available for public viewing!
So go ahead, step inside, and dive into the rich heritage that this library proudly protects and shares!
