Our stories

William Shakespeare, 1860, Sadd, H.S. (Henry Samuel), H88.46/1

Online Collection Spotlight: New Oxford Shakespeare

May 15, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

What exactly is ‘the wat’ry star’? What does ‘verily’ mean? And who really wrote the ‘Fly Scene’ in Titus Andronicus? Read on and discover the answers using the New Oxford Shakespeare database!

Image of a pandemic mask with digital word/ number 'Vote 1

The social distance election

May 14, 2022

Our stories, Politics:

The 2020 Victorian councils elections were conducted by post meaning the Library’s acquisition team had a huge task to ensure the election material was web-archived.

From Moonahculla to Melbourne: The life of Auntie Marge (Margaret) Tucker

From Moonahculla to Melbourne: The life of Auntie Marge (Margaret) Tucker

May 12, 2022

Our stories:

Auntie Marge Tucker was a changemaker, author and activist who campaigned for the rights of Aboriginal women.

Capturing politics & protest through ephemera

Capturing politics & protest through ephemera

May 12, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

The Riley and Political Ephemera Collection is a wide-ranging and living collection that captures political life in Victoria through the medium of ephemera.

Australian houses and European migration: architects, designers and builders.

Australian houses and European migration: architects, designers and builders.

May 7, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

See some of the contribution of European migrants to architecture, design and home-making in Melbourne.

Preserving Marvellous Melbourne

Preserving Marvellous Melbourne

May 6, 2022

Collection Care, News, Our stories:

William Butterfield’s original drawings of St Paul’s Cathedral are in urgent need of conservation treatment. Learn how the Library’s working to preserve the plans for the State Collection, and how you can help.

Celebrating 150 years of public education

Celebrating 150 years of public education

May 3, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

This year marks the 150th anniversary of public education in Victoria, and a chance to reflect on our long-held belief that every child deserves a high-quality education, regardless of their background.

Evolution of the people’s forecourt

Evolution of the people’s forecourt

May 2, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

State Library Victoria was not always a popular venue for rallies, protests and public speakers in the Melbourne CBD. So when did it become the norm?

The Collected Works bookshop: Melbourne’s hidden treasure

The Collected Works bookshop: Melbourne’s hidden treasure

May 1, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

For years, writers from around Australia and across the globe, made beelines to Melbourne’s ‘hidden treasure,’ the Collected Works Bookshop in the Nicholas Building. Entering it felt like reaching ‘heaven,’ with Kris and Loretta Hemensley its warm, generous hosts.

Autumn delights: Trial databases on travel, trailblazers and more!

Autumn delights: Trial databases on travel, trailblazers and more!

April 19, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Collections:

From new content in the Food and Drink in History database to three new databases available on trial, there’s plenty to discover online this Autumn. Trial databases cover empire studies, travel adventures of women in the 19th and 20th centuries, and trailblazing female forerunners in history. Explore and share your feedback!