Rare Book Week: E.W. Cole and His Book Arcade

Rare Book Week: E.W. Cole and His Book Arcade

Hear about the fascinating life and exploits of E.W. Cole, Melbourne's very own Willy Wonka, in this Melbourne Rare Book Week viewing.

By State Library Victoria

Select date and time

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM AEST

Location

State Library Victoria

328 Swanston St Collection Viewing Room Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia

About this event

Discover the life and exploits of E.W. Cole, owner of the famous Cole’s Book Arcade in this illuminating talk and viewing.

A staple of 19th century Melbourne, Cole was a canny businessman, visionary and a true believer in everyone having the right to access books, with his Arcade once spanning all the way from Collins St to Bourke St.

Join us for a viewing where we’ll look at some of the treasures from the Library’s collection that tell us about Cole and what was once hailed 'the grandest bookshop in the world'.

Book your tickets now.



About Melbourne Rare Book Week

Rare Book Week is an annual, Melbourne-wide program of free talks and events that celebrate the importance of books, literacy and literature in our lives. It has become a key event in literary Melbourne’s calendar since 2012.


By registering to attend or purchasing a ticket to a State Library Victoria event, you agree to our Conditions of Entry.

Tags

Organised by

State Library Victoria

Welcome to State Library Victoria, the oldest public library in Australia, and one of the first free public libraries in the world. With almost 170 years of history, the Library has become a must-do destination for visitors to Melbourne with a passion for books, history and beautiful spaces.

Located in the heart of the city opposite Melbourne Central, the Library is a vibrant hub of activity within Melbourne’s knowledge and arts precinct, with a packed program of free exhibitions, events, and activities all year round.

With free Wi-Fi and storage lockers, food and beverage options, books, magazines and music to enjoy, dedicated quiet zones and a beautiful forecourt to take in the sunshine, the Library is an excellent base for tourists and a home away from home.

Art lovers, history buffs, holidaying families and tranquillity seekers will all find something to love at the Library. Its spectacular spaces, including the iconic domed reading room, house thousands of items reflecting Victoria's diverse cultural and social history.

Be sure to see Ned Kelly's armour, pore over rare books, first editions and significant artworks, and join a free tour to learn about the building's fascinating history. Come and experience the magic of the State Library Victoria - an essential stop on your Melbourne itinerary.

Open daily.

Privacy Statement and Disclaimer: The Library uses third party services for the necessary performance of its functions. By registering for an event through this website, you agree to the Library’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. The Library encourages you to read any terms or privacy policies of all third party service providers to understand how they may manage your information.