PMI Victorian History Library

📜 Join our Collections Librarian Ellen Coates, on a journey through the fascinating history of Victoria’s second oldest library as they celebrate their 170th year. Beginning when the Library declared itself into existence in on the 1st of May 1854. The challenges of the early years, including how the Committee dealt with a squatting Secretary Librarian, then onto how the collection, at the time, came to be described by Aeneas Gunn as “without exception to be in a shockingly neglected and filthy condition.” The 20th century saw the Library survive war, pandemic, and hostile takeover and to ultimately make the decision to specialize in Victorian History, which has seen it stay relevant. The talk also includes a tour of the PMI’s 170th exhibition and the stories behind it. Bookings are essential.