Our stories

Kathleen Gawler: Uncovering a local connection

Kathleen Gawler: Uncovering a local connection

May 10, 2024

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Librarian Daniel Giddens discovers a local connection through the photograph albums of Kathleen Gawler, WWI nurse with the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve.

row of books on the shelf, with spines facing out

Discovering Dewey – 641.5 and beyond

April 30, 2024

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Welcome to ‘Discovering Dewey’ – an occasional series revealing some of the books behind the numbers. Today we join librarian Jane Miller as she explores the rich array of cookbooks held in the Library’s catacombs at call number 641.5

William Hellermann: Visible Musics, 1976: ‘To the Last Drop’
William Hellerman, New York (1976)

Online Collection Spotlight: Oxford Music Online and Grove Musical Library

April 12, 2024

Collection spotlights:

State Library Victoria members can access hundreds of databases from home (if your home is in Victoria). That’s millions of articles, magazines, archives, ebooks, videos, songs, audiobooks and more, available… Read More ›

Strange lights in the sky: The Westall UFO event, 1966

Strange lights in the sky: The Westall UFO event, 1966

April 6, 2024

Ask a librarian, Cities & towns, Our stories, Victorian history:

On 6 April 1966, in a quiet suburb south east of Melbourne, reports emerged of something strange in the sky…

Caroline, the immigrants’ friend

Caroline, the immigrants’ friend

March 26, 2024

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Such was life, Victorian history:

When you follow your heart, your achievements often multiply. The remarkable philanthropist Caroline Chisholm achieved so much for us all. Read about an incredible woman who changed the lives of so many for the better.

Online collection spotlight: Children’s literature and culture

Online collection spotlight: Children’s literature and culture

March 11, 2024

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:

Ever wonder what books were available for children 200 years ago? Keen to try your hand at some eighteenth and nineteenth century board games?
Trace the development of children’s reading, learning and play with the Children’s Literature and Culture database.

Young woman, standing, wearing pleated skirt, holding pile of books, 1966. Photo by Mark Strizic. This work is in copyright. H2009.81/4079

Discovering Dewey 305.42: Women and their role in society

March 8, 2024

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Reference desk:

Most of the books in our collections are arranged by the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Join us on a tour of our stacks to explore Dewey number 305.42, which covers the subject of women and their role in society

Online Collection Spotlight: Gale Health and Wellness

Online Collection Spotlight: Gale Health and Wellness

February 14, 2024

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Health:

What are the latest COVID-19 variants? How is a colonoscopy conducted? What are the side effects of anti-anxiety drugs?

Find out answers to these medical questions and more in the Gale Health and Wellness database.

Melodrama in Miniature – the conservation treatment of model set pieces from the 1902 play ‘The Breaking of the Drought’

Melodrama in Miniature – the conservation treatment of model set pieces from the 1902 play ‘The Breaking of the Drought’

February 7, 2024

Collection Care, Conservation:

Theatre in early Melbourne was a vital part of community. Audiences were dazzled by the ambitious set designs of John Brunton, brought to the stage by Bland Holt’s immensely popular theatre company. Some model set pieces for plays such as The Breaking of the Drought have survived this whirlwind, finishing their journey within State Library Victoria’s walls. Careful conservation will allow this legacy to endure for many years to come.

From the Travelling Library to the Internet: a Library beyond the building

From the Travelling Library to the Internet: a Library beyond the building

February 1, 2024

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Since our opening we have looked at ways to connect with people who cannot come to our building. This includes a Travelling Library, a Country Member Postal Service and a Lending Library