Archive for September, 2022

Message in a bottle

Message in a bottle

September 30, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

There is always a romance to a bottle washed up on a lonely shore, containing a message from the past and from far away. This may be a message of greeting, of despair, for science or sometimes even a hoax.

In conversation: Handmade Universe Curator, Linda Short

In conversation: Handmade Universe Curator, Linda Short

September 29, 2022

Exhibitions, News:

We chatted to Linda Short about how Handmade Universe came to be, and the best way to experience the stories it tells.

International Day for Universal Access to Information

International Day for Universal Access to Information

September 28, 2022

Ask a librarian:

The Library was founded in 1854 on principles of the right to access to information – one of the first free public libraries in the world. The UNESCO International Day for Universal Access to Information highlights the role access to information can play in contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16, which is to promote ‘just, peaceful and inclusive societies.’

Express yourself and be yourself.

Online Collection Spotlight: Archives of Sexuality and Gender 

September 23, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Attitudes to gender, sex, and sexuality have come a long way, and this database houses material that covers historical changes and related social movements. The oldest material dates back to the 16th century. Topics covered include LGBTQ studies, women studies, health and hygiene, sex education, and some forbidden books.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market

September 14, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

The iconic Queen Victoria Market has been a central part of Melbourne life for 150 years. The Market’s social significance is a record of change and continuity in market activity over a long period

National Organic Week

National Organic Week

September 12, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

The thrill – and challenge – of growing your own vegetables – from pots on a balcony to rural holdings can be given another dimension by growing organic. National Organic Week (12-18 September) is an opportunity to celebrate all things organic.

Strongman John A Rice displaying muscle definition H93.406/12

Physical Culture in Melbourne with Weber and Rice

September 9, 2022

Our stories:

After seeing legendary showman and strongman Eugen Sandow, two suburban Melbourne lads devoted their lives to the business of strength, fitness, and ‘physical culture’.

Coles Book Arcade, 1883/1903. Photo by Spencer Shier; H96.207.1

Marvellous Melbourne’s own Willy Wonka – E.W. Cole and his famous Book Arcade

September 6, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Meet Marvellous Melbourne’s own Willy Wonka, E.W. Cole, author of Cole’s Funny Picture Books and the man behind the famous Cole’s Book Arcade, once spanning all the way from Bourke St Mall to Collins St.

Fanny Anne Charsley: a legacy of flowers

Fanny Anne Charsley: a legacy of flowers

September 1, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Rare Books & Arts:

Explore the life and art of Fanny Anne Charsley, a botanical artist who lived in Melbourne during the mid 19th century and painted Victorian wild flowers.