How to find books in languages other then English
The State Library's open-access books can be found on the upper floors, but only some rooms have books in Languages Other Than English. Below is the description for each room. Feel free to roam the rooms and get to know the collection. If you are after newspapers, journals, magazines, or articles go to the tab called Newspapers in other languages and Articles in other languages.
This beautiful room with large windows houses Australian literature books and poems written or translated into Languages Other Than English. They are suitable for teenagers and above. You can take the books off the shelf to read within the room.
Location: lift access can be found at the Swanston Street entrance. Level 3 is books on literature and level 4 is books on chess. (In the lift press level 3 under the word, Front Also, you can go up the marble staircase from the Swanston Street entrance.
Note: this room closes early at 5 pm.
In this modern room, with a castle on the left, you will discover children's books in Languages Other Than English. However, only adults with children can go in. If there’s a book you want to read, then go to the Ask-A-Librarian desk for assistance.
Location: ground floor from the Swanston Street entrance.
In this historic room, you will find the general knowledge collection. Some of the books are in Languages Other Than English or translated versions of the text. It is best to check the catalogue and get a shelf number. Go to the tab labelled Books in Other Languages to discover more.
Location: from Swanston Street entrance and via the double lifts, level 2A. While from Russell Street entrance the room is behind glass doors.
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Speak to a staff member at the Ask-A-Librarian desk.
Location: Redmond Barry Reading Room, level 2A.
Telephone number: (03) 8664 7002.
