Governor of Victoria announced as Vice-Regal Patron of State Library Victoria
Media release
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Wednesday 09 October 2024
State Library Victoria yesterday announced that the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, has accepted the role of the Library’s inaugural Patron. The Governor's patronage acknowledges the Library’s powerful impact in shaping education, culture, and community well-being. In championing an institution that sparks lifelong learning and opens doors for all, the Governor celebrates the Library as a vibrant hub for connection, creativity, and collaboration across Victoria, and beyond.
The Governor marked the acceptance with a tour of the Library, hosted by Library Board of Victoria President, Christine Christian AO and State Library Victoria CEO, Paul Duldig. The Governor viewed the Library’s major conservation projects including the Butterfield Collection of architectural drawings of St Paul’s Cathedral, and other treasures of the State Collection including Ned Kelly’s Jerilderie Letter. The tour concluded with a visit to one of the Library’s most popular exhibitions, Melbourne Out Loud featuring the photography of Rennie Ellis, which has attracted more than 171,000 visitors since opening in March.
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria said, “State Library Victoria holds a unique place in our shared history, as a custodian of knowledge that reflects the diversity and richness of our state.”
“As Vice-Regal Patron, I am honoured to support the Library’s mission of accessibility, learning, and culture for all Victorians. This continues a legacy of fostering unity and community that began with the Library’s foundation in 1854.”
President, Christine Christian said, “On behalf of the Library Board of Victoria, we are delighted that the Governor has accepted patronage of State Library Victoria - Victoria’s icon - which is the third busiest library in the world and recognised as one of the most beautiful libraries.”
“With over 2.6 million visitors last year, the Library plays an important role in daily life across Victoria, supporting community well-being through free access to education for both the mind and the heart. Our increasing visitation and usage trends are testament to our Vision 2020 redevelopment, which resulted in the transformation of our beautiful spaces and an additional 40% more public area in the Library. We have never been busier and it is clear that demand for what we provide has never been greater.”
CEO Paul Duldig said, “As we unite our shared passions for education, culture, and accessibility, we look forward to collaborating with Her Excellency to enhance our mission of making a positive impact on the community. Her distinguished career in education aligns seamlessly with the Library’s role in the knowledge economy, underscoring the vital importance of libraries in fostering community engagement.”