State Library Victoria now the third busiest public library in the world
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State Library Victoria has achieved a record-breaking year, with the iconic cultural institution welcoming 2,113,188 visits through its doors in 2022-23 – the highest number ever recorded in the Library's 167-year history.
With this record, State Library Victoria is now the third busiest public library in the world. Other record-breaking highlights achieved by the Library over the period include:
- a record level of daily onsite visitations, averaging more than 5,800 visits per day
- hourly visitation rates are over 800 per hour, up from the previous record of 700 visits per hour
- the number of State Library Victoria website users increased by 61% on the previous year
- the Library hosted its most attended special exhibition ever, with The Rest Is Up To You: Melbourne Fringe Festival 1982 to 2062 attracting over 200,000 visits.
Commenting on State Library Victoria's most recent success, CEO Paul Duldig said: "State Library Victoria's latest record-breaking streak is a testament to our Vision 2020 redevelopment delivering on its promises and more – we have never been busier, and it is clear that demand for what we provide has never been greater.
"The Library is a home-grown success story enriching the lives of all who visit, and I am proud to say we are the third busiest public library in the world. Over two million people walked through our doors in the last 12 months, enjoying and experiencing all the State Library has to offer, and we plan to grow this number to three million people by 2026.
"The Library's increasing visitation and usage trends could see it become the busiest public library in the world by 2025. We are well underway with executing our long-term strategy and continue to work to serve the community as the cultural heart of Melbourne, while curating Victoria's treasures and providing equitable access to learning for all."
The Library is free to visit and is open seven days a week. For opening times and to discover what's on, visit State Library Victoria.