Redmond Barry Reading Room

Named after Sir Redmond Barry, the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Melbourne Public Library, this superbly restored room houses the Library's general non-fiction collection. The natural extension to the Information Centre, this reading room contains books on every major subject area not covered elsewhere in the Library. Subjects include business and statistics, humanities and social sciences, law and government, sport and recreation, and science and technology.

Where is the Redmond Barry Reading Room?

Formerly known as McCoy Hall, this reading room is located at the eastern end of the Library. Entry is via the lifts or stairs in the central foyer, and through the Cowen Gallery. The exact location of this room is clearly identified on the Library floor plan.

What's in this room?

Originally built in the late 19th century to house the industrial and technological museum, this room has the grand proportions of a classic Victorian exhibition space.

Spread over two levels, this room is home to over 100,000 books for browsing and reading, can seat up to 300 people, and has 50 computers providing access to the Library's catalogue and databases. Most of these computers also provide full internet access, and have a 60-minute time limit. If they are all in use, there is a place where you can queue to wait your turn.

Ground floor

A sea of tables adorned with art deco lamps provide ample space for reading and studying while large work tables are cabled for easy laptop use. Other facilities include:

• wireless hotspot
• copier/printer
• electronic message board with the latest information about book deliveries.

At the back of the room, just before you enter Journals & Magazines, there are several stands of the latest popular periodicals and magazines.

Information desk

Located halfway down the room, the information desk is where you can pick up copies of the Library's printed guides, and get help finding what you need and using equipment in the room.

Bookings for original and rare materials from the Maps, Rare Books and Children's Literature collections can also be made here. These items can only be viewed by appointment in the Heritage Collections Reading Room.

Mezzanine

The majority of the general non-fiction collection is on this level. Reading desks line the mezzanine balcony. There is also a photocopier available.

Wireless hotspot

Free wireless broadband access is available in the Redmond Barry Reading Room to registered Library users with laptops or PDAs. Known as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or Wireless LAN, it allows you to connect to the internet without cables or wires. For more information see Using Wireless Services at the Library.

When is this room open?

The Redmond Barry Reading Room can be visited during standard Library opening hours.