The Sunday question
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
For most of its history, the Library was closed on Sundays. The battle to open was a hotly contested issue, not just at the Library, but all over Melbourne.
Our stories
Dedicated to the ladies
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
In Melbourne’s early colonial days there were few places where women could go to seek knowledge. A dedicated section of the newly established Melbourne Public Library was one of them.
The All England 11 and the birth of Australian cricket
In 1861 the great tradition of England and Australian cricket contests commenced when the first English team arrived in Australia.
The scientists and the cricket match
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories, Victorian history:
In March 1874, Melbourne played host to an unusual cricket match, featuring some of the most pre-eminent marine biologists in the world.
Melbourne’s first newspaper
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:
On New Year’s Day, 1838, pioneer John Pascoe Fawkner published Melbourne’s first newspaper. Printing presses were scarce in the colony, so Fawkner handwrote the newspaper himself…
Bushfires: protecting your treasures
Collection Care, Conservation, Preservation:
It’s bushfire season again. How can you reduce the risk of loss of treasured objects before a disaster and what sort of salvage strategies can you use to recover them? If you live in an area where bushfire is an all too real possibility, it’s never too soon to start planning for their preservation.
Carols by Candlelight
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:
This cherished Aussie Christmas institution is now in its 85th year, and still bringing people together across the nation.
Conservation rejuvenates ‘Constitution Hill at Sun set’
Collection Care, Conservation:
During the Library closure, Collection Care had the opportunity of attending to the conservation treatment of one of the Library’s iconic paintings, Constitution Hill by colonial artist John Glover. Recent conservation treatment has transformed its appearance and inspired a new appreciation of this important work.
The everlasting influence of Jane Austen
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
To celebrate Jane Austen’s birthday we look at how she continues to influence popular culture and explore the library’s collection of Jane Austen related material.
Getting your hands dirty with State Library Victoria
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories, Research tips:
The sun is shining, time to get out in the garden! There are plenty of resources at State Library Victoria to help develop your green thumb.
