The State Library of Victoria is Victoria's major reference and research library. As well as its general collection of books, periodicals, maps and other materials, it has a separate wing known as The La Trobe Library which is Victoria's chief research centre and reference library for Australian history and literature. It is the State's principal repository for manuscripts, historical pictures, newspapers and other library material relating to the history of Australia and especially to Victoria.

The Friends of the State Library of Victoria is a society founded in 1966 and, until 1984, known as the Friends of the La Trobe Library. Its objects are to assist, encourage and promote the interests of the State Library, by seeking sponsorships and gifts for the Library and by searching for and obtaining books, manuscripts, pictures and other library material, particularly that which is of Australian interest.

The Friends' Patrons are: The Honorable Joan Kirner, M.L.A.; The Honorable John Cain, Q.C.; The Honorable Rupert Hamer, K.C.M.G., E.D., Margaret Carnegie, A.O., O.A.M., and Mrs E.M. Borrow.

The Friends' Office Bearers are: President, John Arnold; Vice-president, Assoc. Professor Wallace Kirsop; Hon. Treasurer, Andrew Lemon; Hon. Secretary, Sandra Burt.

The Committee of the Friends comprises: Giovanna D'Abaco; John Holroyd; Yvonne Hurley; Beverley Joyce, and Gertraud McDonald. The Director of the State Library of Victoria (Helen Tait), the La Trobe Librarian (Dianne Reilly) and the Hon. Editor (Dr Teresa Pagliaro) are ex officio members of the Committee.

New Friends are welcome. The annual subscription for ordinary members is $45. Bookplate membership is available at an annual subscription of $100. Concessional membership (for pensioners and full-time students) is $20 p.a. Family and joint membership is $60. p.a. Sponsor and donor memberships are also available. Memberships and other enquiries can be addressed to the Friends of the State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria.

The La Trobe Library journal is published twice yearly, in Autumn and Spring. Annual subscription is $20 and single issues are available at $12 plus postage.

Photography: Adrian Flint

Typing: Christine Waghorn

Desktop Publishing: Veronica Peek Text Management Services, 17 Ruby Street, Preston, Victoria, 3072.

Printing: Trumble Printery, 254 High Street, Prahran, Victoria, 3168