Arts & literature, People & professions, Victorian history:
Dust off your deerstalkers and polish your magnifying glasses! Today (22nd May) is Sherlock Holmes Day, where the world celebrates the birthday of this super-sleuth’s creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
During World War II, radio broadcasts were used to convey military news and to boost morale. Radio was also the perfect medium to spread propaganda to the enemy, with the aim of belittling or demoralising enemy forces and civilian populations. Read the intriguing story of how a Melbourne short wave station recorded Japanese propaganda messages to help the allied war effort.
Ask a librarian, Cities & towns, Such was life, Victorian history:
Librarian Daniel Giddens reconnects with one of his favourite children’s stories, ‘The silver brumby’, sharing what makes it so special to him, as well as exploring the background of its author, and the history and significance of its publication.
Social life & customs, Victorian history:
The course of true love never did run smooth, but what was it like finding love in early colonial Australia?
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
On 11 February our Library celebrates our 169th birthday. While based on the world’s great libraries, our Library was also a radical departure. Ours was a library with unrestricted access to anyone over 14, with every book available to view. The primary driver of the Library was Redmond Barry. While generally remembered as the judge at the Ned Kelly trial, Redmond Barry’s pioneering contribution to Melbourne’s cultural and educational heritage is unsurpassed
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
What could be considered Australia’s first major amusement park – Princes Court – opened in 1904 on the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River. Visitors had a range of amusements to choose from, including the 70-foot-high water chute ride, toboggan tracks and a Japanese tea house.
Arts & literature, Our stories, Social life & customs, Victorian history:
Colonial Australians have always battled to bring British and European traditions to the Christmas season. Roast meat and gravy, puddings and finery can still be found at many Christmas events. What is less likely to be found is the curious tradition of the Christmas Eve ghost story.
Ask a librarian, Painting, Victorian history:
Cavalacde of Transport, The Story of Fire and The history of Australian thoroughbred racing are some of Melbourne’s largest and most seen artworks. These were from the hands of Harold Freedman, locally born and bred, whose exploration of monumental art came later in his life.
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
These days, the idea of a hotel ‘ladies’ lounge’ seems archaic, but there was a time not so long ago when they were de rigueur…
Ask a librarian, Buildings & streets, Victorian history:
The eleventh hour, the eleventh day, the eleventh month. Every year at this exact time we remember those who gave us the greatest gift: freedom. On November 11, 2024 the Shrine of Remembrance will commemorate it’s 90th anniversary.
