"The library connects us with the insights and knowledge, painfully extracted from nature, of the greatest minds that ever were, with the best teachers, drawn from the entire planet and from all our history, to instruct us without tiring, and to inspire us to make our own contribution."

Carl Sagan

The ASV Library has over 3,500 books, DVDs, magazines and other items covering all areas of astronomy and related topics. Most of these items are available for borrowing by members.

The library's acquisitions since 1998 can be found in the Catalogue below. There are two methods for browsing the catalogue:

          1. Choose a broad subject from the dropdown list in the Category field.
          2. For more specific searches, enter the title, name or a keyword in the 'Search for' field.

Please note that the two fields function independently. Submit a search in either the Category or 'Search for' field, not both.

Books and other items placed in the catalogue before 1998 can be located using the index card system in the Library.

Members are entitled to borrow up to 3 books, 2 DVDs or CDs and 4 magazines per month.

Location and Opening Hours

The ASV Library is in Melbourne Observatory, in the north west corner of the main building. Parking is available for members in the car park adjacent to the Great Melbourne Telescope House when the Library is open on the last Sunday of the month. Enter via the Main Gate on Birdwood Ave. At the boom gate, press the buzzer and tell Reception that you are visiting the ASV Library. Please observe the 8km/h speed limit. Exit the car park via the automatic gate on Dallas Brooks Drive.

The main library is open on:

• Monthly Meeting nights from 6.45pm to 7.45pm and from about 10.15pm to 10.45pm
• Members' nights from 7.00pm to 8:00pm
• The last Sunday of the month from 2.00pm to 4.00pm