Express yourself and be yourself.

Online Collection Spotlight: Archives of Sexuality and Gender 

September 23, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Attitudes to gender, sex, and sexuality have come a long way, and this database houses material that covers historical changes and related social movements. The oldest material dates back to the 16th century. Topics covered include LGBTQ studies, women studies, health and hygiene, sex education, and some forbidden books.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market

September 14, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

The iconic Queen Victoria Market has been a central part of Melbourne life for 150 years. The Market’s social significance is a record of change and continuity in market activity over a long period

National Organic Week

National Organic Week

September 12, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

The thrill – and challenge – of growing your own vegetables – from pots on a balcony to rural holdings can be given another dimension by growing organic. National Organic Week (12-18 September) is an opportunity to celebrate all things organic.

Strongman John A Rice displaying muscle definition H93.406/12

Physical Culture in Melbourne with Weber and Rice

September 9, 2022

Our stories:

After seeing legendary showman and strongman Eugen Sandow, two suburban Melbourne lads devoted their lives to the business of strength, fitness, and ‘physical culture’.

Coles Book Arcade, 1883/1903. Photo by Spencer Shier; H96.207.1

Marvellous Melbourne’s own Willy Wonka – E.W. Cole and his famous Book Arcade

September 6, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Meet Marvellous Melbourne’s own Willy Wonka, E.W. Cole, author of Cole’s Funny Picture Books and the man behind the famous Cole’s Book Arcade, once spanning all the way from Bourke St Mall to Collins St.

Fanny Anne Charsley: a legacy of flowers

Fanny Anne Charsley: a legacy of flowers

September 1, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Rare Books & Arts:

Explore the life and art of Fanny Anne Charsley, a botanical artist who lived in Melbourne during the mid 19th century and painted Victorian wild flowers.

How to trace your ancestor’s criminal past

How to trace your ancestor’s criminal past

August 29, 2022

Family matters, Research tips & tricks, Websites:

Welcome to National Family History Month! Each week of August we will publish a new family history blog to help you with your research. In this week’s blog we explore how to research your ancestor’s criminal past.

The lighthouse, Cape Schanck, Vic., [ca.1917] Shirley Jones collection of Victorian postcards. H90.140/264.

Beacons of hope: Victorian lighthouses

August 26, 2022

Victorian history:

Standing tall on rugged coastlines, lighthouses captivate the imagination. Dotting the Victorian coastline, they were lifesavers for ships navigating treacherous seas, seeking a safe harbour.

The public bar, Hancock's Essendon Hotel
Commercial Photographic Co., photographers.

How to research your ancestor’s occupation

August 22, 2022

Family matters, Research guides, Research tips & tricks:

Welcome to National Family History Month! Each week of August we will publish a new family history blog to help you with your research. In this week’s blog we look at how to trace your ancestor’s working life by exploring a range of occupational records.

Strange attractors: Australian science fiction at SLV 

Strange attractors: Australian science fiction at SLV 

August 18, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Science fiction often focuses on the outward exploration of space and new worlds. In contrast, Australian science fiction writing is dominated by dystopic settings, featuring characters alienated from society. This blog post highlights some of the best Australian SF in the Library’s collection.

Such was life

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 2 comments

Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980) was a political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher. Throughout her art career she was a member of the Communist Party and associated with the Socialist Realist Group.

Arts

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 2 comments

Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980) was a political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher. Throughout her art career she was a member of the Communist Party and associated with the Socialist Realist Group.