is Victoria's major reference and research library. As well as its general collection of books, periodicals, newspapers, maps and other materials, it has a separate section known as

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 the Pacific and especially to 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 sponsorship 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 Committee of the Friends comprises: Yvonne Hurley; Beverley Joyce; Marjorie Morgan and Jonathan Wantrup. The Director of the State Library of Victoria (Helen Tait), the La Trobe Librarian (Dianne Reilly) and the Hon. Editor of the La Trobe Library journal (Professor John Barnes) 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 pa. Family and joint membership is $60.00 pa. Sponsor and donor memberships are also available. Membership and other enquiries can be addressed to the Friends of the State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

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

Printing: Trumble Printery, 254 High Street, Prahran. Victoria, 3181

Desktop Publishing: Veronica Peek Text Management Services, 17 Ruby Street. Preston. Victoria, 3072. Ph: 9484 4956