There were great debate and controversy over the re-designing of the Thomas Cooper building, many of which focused on questions of freedom of expression vs. security of the city's public library. After much deliberation both libraries agreed to a design by Thomas Cooper Architects Ltd, which altered the roofline to accommodate the proposed library addition. In a letter to the editorial committee of the Times, the Rev. Wm. Temple suggested the addition of a historical center to the south side of the building as an additional feature. The Rev. Temple hoped that such a center would add "a fresh supply of ideas" to the literary section of the vignettes.
Characteristics of the Victorian Library
Although the editors of the Times agreed that a historic element was added to the Victorian Library, they were not in favor of having a plaster dust jacket framed within the glass of the facade, stating that it was "uniformly unpleasant". The architectural design was changed to include an iron dust jacket without changing the color or design of the original iron dust jacket. A small part of the plaster dust jacket remained and was used as part of the paper's dust jacket.
The new Victorian Library has been designed to accommodate the needs of the growing number of people who use the libraries. It offers facilities to help people learn about the history of Victoria. Many individuals come to the libraries for independent research, while others make use of the shared services. The Victorian Library has a reading program and several independent reading groups. These groups include the Friends of the Victorian Library, which provides support services to the Victorian Library on a regular basis. Other groups include the Friends of the Central Library, which provides independent support services to the Central Library.
At the present time there are six participating libraries in the state of Victoria, contributing largely to the growth of the Victorian library. The participating libraries have varied interests and dedication levels. All share the vision of creating an online community for its users. An independent online community is facilitated by the software programs developed by the participating libraries.
The Convenience Of The Victorian Library
The Victoria Library Board provides a staff to administer the community services. Victoria Library users are required to display a photo ID at all times, showing their photo identification. Non-library members are welcome to visit the library for any purpose, and can become members of the library. Library card holders can be easily recognized by the library card scanner and can gain access to many of the valuable services offered in the library.
There are over sixty public computer stations, including Internet connections. There are a cafeteria with microwave and coffee machine facilities, as well as facilities to conduct group meetings in the leisure room. There is also a computer lab, where an individual can work on projects related to the Victorian era, the Golden Age, and the Internet. Some libraries also conduct workshops and seminars and feature a music studio and audio-visual area. Many libraries also offer a children's area, where children can spend quality time with their parents.
Victorian Library's Modern Facilities
There is also a digital video archive of the Victorian era. Members are welcome to make copies of films, videos, or audio recordings for their personal collections. There is a secure electronic library with password-protected digital cameras, printers, scanners, fax machines, modems, and other related technology. The VLA serves as a coordinating agent between libraries and communities.
The Melbourne branch has negotiated a financial agreement with the Victorian State Library to provide free computer access to its libraries and to other libraries in the metropolitan area. There is a computer Resource Centre in the main entrance to the library, where registered users can register for various services. There is a cafe in the entrance, where users can get tea or coffee while waiting for the computers. The Melbourne Public Library Board provides technical equipment and computer resources to its libraries.
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