Ned Kelly at the cinema
People & professions, Such was life:
The world’s first feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, premiered at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre on 26 December 1906, twenty-six years after Ned was hanged.
New Christmas Music.
Some great new Christmas CDs have just arrived into the collection. They include traditonal carol favourites and classics by Handel and Britten, as well as performances by the Vienna Boys Choir… Read More ›
Christmas and the Ashes
One of world sport’s most famous trophies, cricket’s Ashes urn, was presented for the first time on 24 December 1882.
‘Death ballots’: Australia’s World War I conscription referendums
On 28 October 1916 the first of two controversial conscription referendums was held in Australia. Military training for men between 18 and 60 had been compulsory since 1911, but the… Read More ›
A new sheet music collection; worth singing about!
Music, Popular music, Rare Books & Arts:
As the year draws to a close I thought it might be a good opportunity to show off a new collection of sheet music that we now have available via… Read More ›
Search our catalogue on your mobile phone
About us, Announcements, Collection, Education, Library services, News, Opening hours, Search, Updates:
Designed for people wanting to search the Library’s collection while on the move, this cut-down version of our online desktop catalogue allows you to search our catalogue on your mobile… Read More ›
18 years old and in charge of the ship
People & professions, Such was life:
The British barque Trafalgar docked at Williamstown on 16 December 1893 after a harrowing voyage. Several of the senior officers had died from fever on the journey, and the charge… Read More ›
New books, and not a piano in sight!
New books, Painting, Photography, Rare Books & Arts, Visual arts:
It’s been a while since I’ve done a new-books post, what with Australian Music Month, Melbourne Music Week, and the Kaldor Art Project demanding our attention. So let’s get back… Read More ›
Pioneer portraits
People & professions, Such was life:
Born in London, Thomas Chuck came to Melbourne in 1863 and opened a photography studio in Royal Arcade, Collins Street.
Such was life
Early views of Melbourne by Robert Russell
Surveyor and artist Robert Russell published an early survey of Melbourne featuring the Yarra Falls that determined the site for the foundation of the township. He also produced drawings and watercolours of the Yarra Falls from where his cottage was located.
Arts
Collecting Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie was a leading author of the golden age of detective fiction whose books continue to excite, delight and intrigue readers. To celebrate her outstanding legacy, State Library Victoria recently acquired first editions of some of Christie’s most popular titles.
