State Library of Victoria now secured by SNP

25 September 2008

SNP Security has been awarded the security contract for one of Australia’s oldest cultural institutions, the State Library of Victoria. One of Melbourne’s most important landmarks, the State Library of Victoria collection includes over two million books, the oldest of which is entitled De Musica of Boethius, dating back to the 10th century.

Entrusted with keeping the Library and its contents safe, SNP Security’s mandate includes providing security officers to patrol the various areas within the library itself and mingling with the 1.5 million guests who visit each year. SNP Security not only supplies the officers, but also manages the control room, which monitors all CCTV and fire alarms around the property, 24/7.  It is not only the State Library facilities SNP protects, but the items themselves – many of which are extremely valuable, including a clay tablet on display which dates back to 2050BC. 

SNP Security Branch Manager of Victoria, Darren Smith, says winning this tender gives SNP the opportunity to provide a complete security solution to a Victorian institution. “These are really important artifacts that we need to ensure are not damaged and kept safe at all times. Especially in light of the highly publicised cases of library thieves Smiley and Blumberg, and the Transylvania University Library thefts, where priceless books and maps were stolen and sold, it is imperative that these valuable items and rare books receive the protection they deserve."

“Any loss to the library is a loss not only to the people of Victoria but to Australia’s cultural heritage as a whole,” says Smith.

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