The La Trobe Reading room in the State Library of Victoria (Image: Wikipedia)

One of our favourite Melbourne icons, the dome in the State Library of Victoria, is turning one hundred years old in November.

Once described by artist Christine Johnson as the ‘soul centre’ of the library and even of the city, the soaring roofline of the dome continues to wow visitors.

The fact that the room is still used as an active and free study room by throngs of Melbournians is adds to the spectacle; many first timers are astounded by the casual way that students and researchers simply come and go in their daily lives, as if oblivious to the architectural gem overhead. Of course, they are conditioned to think this is normal; and as the Dome 100 website points out, the State Library of Victoria takes pride in its tradition of being a free space for the thinkers and learners of Melbourne.

The Dome 100 website offers readers the opportunity to share their stories of their experiences in the domed reading room; from the once-regular nonchalant students who have gone on to greatness, to the one-off visitors who stood at the doorway dumbstruck by the unexpected drama of the building. Another section allows readers to contribute their ideas for the future of the dome and the State Library – what do the next 100 years hold?

The Dome 100 website also lists the range of exhibitions which are unfolding this year as part of the centenary celebrations. The exact date of the 100th birthday is 14th November, a day that is sure to attract many visitors to this Melbourne icon this year.