Our stories

Great Ocean Road. Charles Daniel Pratt

“Road of a thousand charms”

November 24, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

A crowd of hundreds converged on Lorne on 26 November 1932 to celebrate the opening of the just completed Great Ocean Road.

World Philosophy Day

World Philosophy Day

November 16, 2020

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:

It’s World Philosophy Day. Dive into our extensive philosophy collections to be challenged and inspired by thinkers of the past and present.

Catalogue upgrade: Export to excel and sticky filters

Catalogue upgrade: Export to excel and sticky filters

November 13, 2020

Ask a librarian, Research tips, Tips and tricks:

Export your search results or saved items to Excel and more easily limit your results with improved ‘sticky’ filters that persist between searches, two new features recently added to the Library… Read More ›

Ania Walwicz: rebel with a cause

Ania Walwicz: rebel with a cause

November 9, 2020

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:

The Victorian literary community has lost one of its own, with the death of much-loved poet, performance artist and creative writing teacher, Ania Walwicz

Disorganised, but stocked pantry, 28 April 2020 by Elizabeth Spiteri, MS16313/1/1. 
A photographic response to the first prompt asking about fridge and pantry supplies.

COVID-19 rapid response collecting

November 5, 2020

Collection, Our stories:

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, State Library Victoria needed a rapid collecting response to document Victoria’s experience. Curators reflect on the adaptation to contact-free acquisitions, and improving their digital preservation workflows to meet this need.

The triumphant and tragic life of George Coulthard

The triumphant and tragic life of George Coulthard

October 13, 2020

Family matters, Victorian history:

Australian Rules Football’s first superstar George Coulthard dominated the early days of the Victorian Football Association. A supreme athlete he was also a fine cricketer, both playing and umpiring Test cricket. Sometimes, though sport’s great triumphs collide with life, and life is not always fair.

Detail of Blinky Bill and Mrs Koala, Dorothy Wall, [between 1933 and 1940?]; H2015.180/28

Blinky Bill: in the Conservation Lab

October 9, 2020

Collection Care, Conservation:

Blinky Bill has been a favourite amongst Australian children since he first made an appearance in the 1933 book Blinky Bill: The Quaint Little Australian. A collection of drawings by author and illustrator Dorothy Wall (1894–1942) were recently acquired by the Library – several of which have come to the Conservation Lab for assessment and treatment.

The Victorian Artists’ Society: 150 years of art

The Victorian Artists’ Society: 150 years of art

October 8, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

This year the Victorian Artists’ Society, East Melbourne, celebrates its 150th anniversary. We look back at the early years of its artistic journey.

The secrets of Black Rock house

The secrets of Black Rock house

September 29, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Reference desk, Victorian history:

Learn about the mysteries that have surrounded Black Rock house since its construction over 160 years ago

Little Ships on the Maribyrnong River

World Rivers Day

September 22, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

We mark World Rivers Day with snapshots of Victorian rivers, celebrating some of their history and the diverse roles they play.