findmypast.ie now available at SLV!

findmypast.ie now available at SLV!

December 2, 2011

Family matters, New to the collection, Uncategorized:

We are very pleased to announce that the Irish edition of  the major database findmypast is now available free of charge onsite at the State Library of Victoria. This is a… Read More ›

Christmas and New Year closure

Christmas and New Year closure

November 30, 2011

Announcements, Library services, News, Opening hours:

The Library will close at 6.00pm on Saturday 24 December 2011 and reopen at 10.00am on Tuesday 3 January 2012.

Victorian poet crowned Australian Poetry Slam champion

Victorian poet crowned Australian Poetry Slam champion

November 28, 2011

News, Uncategorized:

Victorian writer and performer Luka Lesson has won the 2011 Australian Poetry Slam, beating sixteen finalists from around Australia at the National final in Sydney last night. Lesson’s winning poem… Read More ›

New books in the Genealogy Centre

November 27, 2011

Family matters, New to the collection:

Another lot of new books has appeared in the Genealogy Centre. Charles Bartlett reviews the latest selection. The parishes, registers & registrars of Scotland compiled by Edinburgh, Scottish Association of… Read More ›

Bernard Smith 1916-2011

Bernard Smith 1916-2011

November 27, 2011

Rare Books & Arts:

With the death earlier this year of Bernard Smith, Australia lost one of its greatest intellectuals and most probing cultural historians. He was a great friend to this Library and… Read More ›

Playing for Australia in November

Playing for Australia in November

November 23, 2011

Rare Books & Arts:

Apparently November is Australian Music Month (don’t ask, just enjoy!), which is a good excuse to highlight some of the Australian music we have in our collection! Corroboree ; An… Read More ›

Nutcracker Christmas Special Screening.

Nutcracker Christmas Special Screening.

November 23, 2011

Dance, Rare Books & Arts:

The next and final program in the Music and Dance on Film series for 2011, is a new and dazzling production of Nutcracker – the ballet for the festive season.… Read More ›

A love of language wins out in poetry slam state final

A love of language wins out in poetry slam state final

November 21, 2011

Announcements, Family history events, News:

Entertainer and writer, Simon Taylor has won the 2011 Australian Poetry Slam Victorian final held at the State Library of Victoria last Friday night.

Playing for Australia in November

Playing for Australia in November

November 20, 2011

Music, Rare Books & Arts:

Apparently November is Australian Music Month (don’t ask, just enjoy!), which is a good excuse to highlight some of the Australian music we have in our collection! Corroboree ; An… Read More ›

Serendipity: Desirable but unsought discoveries

Serendipity: Desirable but unsought discoveries

November 18, 2011

Family matters, Uncategorized:

As librarians at the State Library, we perform research into subjects covering the full range of human endeavour as part of our professional duties. Through the research process we follow… Read More ›

Such was life

Feasts of Christmas past

Feasts of Christmas past

December 15, 2025 0 comments

What are your favourite festive food memories? Have you ever enjoyed Christmas Day lunch on the beach, up a mountain or aboard a ship? Do you remember pineapple glazed ham? Would you like the 100-year-old recipe for walnut stuffing? The State Library’s historic menus, cookbooks, photos and magazines trace Christmas foods from early colonial tables to the festive flavours celebrated by our diverse migrant communities. Dive in and rediscover your favourite Christmas dishes — or find inspiration for this year’s feast.

Arts

Portraits of Melbourne artists in their studios

Portraits of Melbourne artists in their studios

December 8, 2025 0 comments

John Hinds, an artist, photographer and active ROAR member from 1986 to 1992 spent time capturing artists he personally knew and the spaces that they used to create their works. His photographs captured a unique and often unseen time and place, creating an invaluable insight into the art scene in Melbourne.