By Billy Cotsis
The State Library of Victoria is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful and most visited public libraries. In recent weeks, however, the institution has found itself under intense public scrutiny – and among those caught up in the fallout is a Melbourne family whose café has become a much-loved part of the library’s daily life.
For the past eight years, Mr Tulk Café has been operated by Maria and Michael Togias, who also run the smaller Guild Café at the Russell Street entrance. Named after the library’s founding librarian, Mr Tulk has grown into a popular gathering place for students, researchers, visitors and staff, known for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable menu and consistent quality.
The Togias family took on the café during a particularly challenging period. Their tenure coincided with extended COVID-19 lockdowns and major renovation works at the library, which significantly disrupted trade for much of their lease. Despite this, they continued operating and expanded their offering, including taking over the Guild Café space after the previous operators exited during the pandemic.
Recently, however, the family was informed that they would not be retaining the lease after a competitive tender process was undertaken by the State Library of Victoria. According to the Togias family, they were surprised by the outcome, particularly after being advised during discussions that they were considered preferred tenants and after submitting what they say was a strong proposal.
The Togias’ say their tender included higher rental payments than other offers, additional hospitality concepts within the library precinct, and a proposal to provide training and employment opportunities for young Victorians with disabilities.
They also say they had previously been given assurances by senior management that some form of compensation or extension would be considered to offset the severe financial impact of the pandemic and prolonged construction works.
Those assurances, they claim, were not reflected when the expressions-of-interest process was launched.
A long-term State Library of Victoria employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Mr Tulk Café as “the heart of the library,” saying its loss would be deeply felt by staff and visitors alike.
“Mr Tulk café is as much a cultural space as the library itself,” the staff member said. “What is being done to the owners is… very unfair.”
Supporters of the Togias family argue that the situation highlights broader concerns about how public institutions balance commercial decisions with community impact.
Writer and journalist Dr John A. Martino, who has been assisting the family, said the café had become an integral part of the library’s identity and questioned whether a direct negotiation or alternative arrangement could have been considered.
“Maria and Michael have transformed their hospitality spaces into beloved ‘faces of the library’ that are always warm, welcoming and ideal for studying and meetings. They are a true cultural locus, too, attracting students, writers and researchers in endless droves,” Dr Martino said.
An online petition calling for the preservation of Mr Tulk Café has since gained traction, and the matter has reportedly been referred to the Victorian Ombudsman for review.
For many in Melbourne’s student, literary and visitor communities, the outcome remains deeply disappointing. Supporters hope that, even at this late stage, a resolution might be found that recognises the café’s contribution to the life of the State Library of Victoria.
A state library spokesperson told Smart Company the organisation was within its rights to consider the services offered to visitors.
Petition to save Mr Tulk Café available online.
