Alexander Library

Statement of Significance

The place is a good example of the Late Twentieth Century Late Modern style. It has a striking form and is an integral component of the wider Perth Cultural Centre Precinct which comprises excellent examples of structures from a diverse range of architectural styles.
The planning and construction of the State Library of Western Australia is associated with the economic impetus provided by a second phase of mineral discovery in the state and the realisation of the Perth Cultural Centre.
The collections and building of the State Library of Western Australia form a significant cultural institution and contribute to community’s sense of place. The State Records Office is also located within the building.
The place is representative of the maturing of the state and the late twentieth century phase of development of its cultural institutions.

Physical Description

State Library of Western Australia is located on the north-west quadrant of the Perth Cultural Centre Heritage Precinct. The building has bands of precast concrete panels with alternating bands of glazing. There are large ‘blade’ walls dividing sections of the building. The concrete and glazing band widths vary in each section. In one section each floor steps back from the one beneath.
The main entrance to the building is from the James Street pedestrian walkway at the concourse level, with a secondary entrance from Francis Street. The axis of the building, as with the main Gallery Building of the Art Gallery, is set at a 45-degree angle to the street grid.
There is a two-level carpark located beneath the library building. The carpark is accessed by three lifts located externally on the north, south and west faces of the main building.

History

The foundation stone for the Victoria Public Library, established to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign, was laid in St George’s Terrace in 1887. After being housed in temporary accommodation, the library moved to the Jubilee Building on the corner of Beaufort and James streets in 1897 which then housed the Library, Museum and Art Gallery. Additional library accommodation was constructed in 1903 and a further wing, Hackett Hall was added to form the State Library in 1913. The first chief librarian, Dr James Sykes Battye was instrumental in establishing a collection of state records and an archives branch was founded in 1945. The archives branch of the State Library of Western Australia is named the Battye Library. The State Records Office is currently located within the State Library of Western Australia and occupies approximately 10% of the total footprint of the building.
In 1977 planning began to bring the Library Board’s branches and collections, which were then scattered over three main buildings and three annexes, into a single building. The new six storey building designed by architects Cameron Chisholm and Nicol, in association with the Building Management Authority, was opened in June 1985 as the Alexander Library Building in celebration of Professor Fred Alexander, CBE, Fellow of the Library Board of Western Australia.
The archival collections of the State Library of Western Australia were separated in 2001 following the passing of the State Records Act. Government Records went to the newly created State Records Office and the private archives and manuscripts remained with the Library as part of the J.S. Battye collections. The State Records Office continues to be housed in the State Library Building with a separate entrance at the western end of the Cultural Centre frontage.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
High level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.