Exploring galaxies and rare books for National Science Week
From a first edition of Newton’s Principia Mathematica (1632) to the first Star Atlas ever produced (1729), the Library’s collection contains a number of early astronomical books.
Articles by: Sarah Kelly
Meet some of the team behind Australia’s oldest public Library
This week we’re celebrating our wonderful team as part of the Australian Library and Information Association’s Library and Information Week. From librarians and technicians to photographers and conservators, we have more than 300 staff who work to run Australia’s oldest public Library. We hope you celebrated your library this week too.
616 issues of the Australian Cyclist (1893–1905) go online
News:
Perfect for cycling enthusiasts or vintage bicycle buffs, the Australian Cyclist advocates all aspects of the bicycle, and included advertisements for local bike shops and depots, reviews of road races, programs of racing events, local league notes and, of course, cycling club gossip.
Say it with scorn: Vinegar valentines from the collection
Rejection rather than affection was the theme of early 19th-century paper valentines.
Access four centuries of women’s history with your library card
News:
In the late 1800’s, Aletta Jacobs and her husband C.V. Gerritsen began collecting books, pamphlets and periodicals reflecting the revolution of a feminist consciousness and the movement for women’s rights.
The last residential caretaker
George Swain, the State Library’s last residential caretaker sadly passed away this week. A WWII veteran, he brought up a family of six children in an apartment on the roof of the Library’s dome, living there until the early 80s. In a post he wrote for the dome centenary in 2013, George reminisces about bringing up his family on the roof of the Library.
Hack Christmas with State Library Victoria’s collection
Searching for the perfect Christmas wrapping paper? Dreaming of DIY decorations with a literary twist? We’re here to help! We’ve combed the collection for festive images, prints and patterns to remix into Christmas crafts.
Noel Pearson delivers the 2016 Keith Murdoch Oration
News:
Noel Pearson delivered the 2016 Keith Murdoch Oration at the Library last night, on the topic ‘Still hunting the radical centre: revisiting Daniel Patrick Moynihan 50 years later’.
New literary podcast celebrates writers and writing
News:
Recorded at the State Library, The Garret podcast celebrates writers and writing, interviewing leading authors to explore how they start, draft, complete and market their writing.
150 years of The Press dress
On 20 September 1866 Mrs Matilda Butters attended the Mayor’s Fancy Dress Ball in the new exhibition buildings as ‘The Press’. Designed by local dressmaker Mrs William Dobbs, the costume was constructed of silk panels printed with the front pages different Melbourne newspapers.
