Strange lights in the sky: The Westall UFO event, 1966
Ask a librarian, Cities & towns, Our stories, Victorian history:
On 6 April 1966, in a quiet suburb south east of Melbourne, reports emerged of something strange in the sky…
Our stories
Caroline, the immigrants’ friend
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Such was life, Victorian history:
When you follow your heart, your achievements often multiply. The remarkable philanthropist Caroline Chisholm achieved so much for us all. Read about an incredible woman who changed the lives of so many for the better.
Online Collection Spotlight: Children’s Literature and Culture
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.
Discovering Dewey 305.42: Women and their role in society
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
Online Collection Spotlight: Gale Health and Wellness
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.
Melodrama in Miniature – the conservation treatment of model set pieces from the 1902 play ‘The Breaking of the Drought’
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.
From the Travelling Library to the Internet: a Library beyond the building
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
Online Collection Spotlight: Victorians on Film
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.
Exploring the world in Western History: the Hakluyt Society and other exploration resources
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.
Online Collection Spotlight – Food History: Printed and Manuscript Recipe Books
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.
