Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:
Ever wonder what books were available for children 200 years ago? Keen to try your hand at some eighteenth and nineteenth century board games?
Trace the development of children’s reading, learning and play with the Children’s Literature and Culture database.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Reference desk:
Most of the books in our collections are arranged by the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Join us on a tour of our stacks to explore Dewey number 305.42, which covers the subject of women and their role in society
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Health:
What are the latest COVID-19 variants? How is a colonoscopy conducted? What are the side effects of anti-anxiety drugs?
Find out answers to these medical questions and more in the Gale Health and Wellness database.
Collection Care, Conservation:
Theatre in early Melbourne was a vital part of community. Audiences were dazzled by the ambitious set designs of John Brunton, brought to the stage by Bland Holt’s immensely popular theatre company. Some model set pieces for plays such as The Breaking of the Drought have survived this whirlwind, finishing their journey within State Library Victoria’s walls. Careful conservation will allow this legacy to endure for many years to come.
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
Since our opening we have looked at ways to connect with people who cannot come to our building. This includes a Travelling Library, a Country Member Postal Service and a Lending Library
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
Interested in the early history of cinema? Curious about what daily life was like over 100 years ago? Would you like see the moon playing a banjo? Explore a collection of early cinematic wonders from the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
Embark on a journey through remarkable voyages with the State Library’s collection of print and electronic resources detailing first-hand accounts of historic exploration.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
What did US President Kennedy enjoy for breakfast? How do I stop a nosebleed? What are some antidotes for poisoning? Find the answers using the database, Food History: Printed and Manuscript Recipe Books, a collection of books on cookery and domestic management.
Explore the wonderful summery artworks of Aileen Brown, and see how her intricate linocut prints are made.
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
Famous Victorian photographer George Rose (1851-1942) travelled to Korea and Japan in 1904, capturing rare scenes of everyday life in both countries. Dynamic and varied, his images bring alive scenes of people at the market, labourers at work, children, Japanese women in kimonos enjoying social activities, not to mention temples, local architecture and rural scenery. Join us for a fascinating glimpse into these lost worlds.
