This makes me so sad! 😔 I'm from Tasmania and try to visit the library whenever I am in Melbourne. I too was blown away the first time I went there, and have very fond memories of spending time in Mr Tulks afterwards. It's just so disappointing.

I think that time was when Australia became a 'meaner' place... and it's continued today, in relation to immigration especially. That and the squandering of the riches of the resources boom, with spending for tax perks and concessions for the well off, instead of on infrastructure etc.