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.
After seeing legendary showman and strongman Eugen Sandow, two suburban Melbourne lads devoted their lives to the business of strength, fitness, and ‘physical culture’.
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.
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.
![The lighthouse, Cape Schanck, Vic., [ca.1917] Shirley Jones collection of Victorian postcards. H90.140/264.](https://blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TheLighthouseCape-SchanckVic.-120x120.jpg)
Standing tall on rugged coastlines, lighthouses captivate the imagination. Dotting the Victorian coastline, they were lifesavers for ships navigating treacherous seas, seeking a safe harbour.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
Science fiction often focuses on the outward exploration of space and new worlds. In contrast, Australian science fiction writing is dominated by dystopic settings, featuring characters alienated from society. This blog post highlights some of the best Australian SF in the Library’s collection.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
Do you want to learn more about cultural appropriation and its impacts? Have you read Homer’s Odyssey and wondered ‘what about the women’s stories?’ Are you looking for histories and stories told from diverse perspectives? If you’ve asked these or other questions about diversity, equity and inclusion, then Proquest ebook central: Diversity, equity and inclusion is the database for you!
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
In 1918, at just 20 years of age, Alice Anderson founded what would go on to become Victoria’s first all-female motor garage. Her vision, as she would later tell magazine ‘Woman’s World’, was ‘to turn a trade into a profession for women.’
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:
On 1 August 1902, a magazine called ‘New Idea’ was published for the first time. Its aim was ‘to present the newest ideas continually arising in every branch of a woman’s life and interest.’
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
There is something magical about the sight of neon against the backdrop of an evening sky. Whilst neon signs have fallen out of favour in recent years, many of those remaining have achieved iconic status. We look back at some of the highlights.
