It’s a LEGO® world

It’s a LEGO® world

January 28, 2022

Events, Exhibitions, News:

It seems like LEGO bricks have been around forever, but in fact, they didn’t hit the market until 1949! Read on to discover more about LEGO’s amazing history …

Children and Play

Children and Play

January 20, 2022

Collections:

Whether you are a child or an adult, the Library has often been a place of wonderment and fun. This summer, Library staff have put together a display of collection material encapsulating all forms of children’s play.

Play the Game: Summer beach camps

Play the Game: Summer beach camps

January 15, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

A stronger, more inclusive society. This was the vision for the Lord Somers and Lord Mayor’s camps, bringing children from all corners of Victoria, and all walks of life together for summer seaside adventures.

H29415/3

Online Collection Spotlight: Oxford Reference Online

January 14, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

In Mozart’s opera ‘The marriage of Figaro’ who married Figaro?
The world at your fingertips! Explore the riches of the Oxford Reference Online collection.

Family history ebooks

Family history ebooks

January 11, 2022

Family matters, Research tips & tricks:

There is nothing like a good book to keep you occupied for hours. For family historians, there are some fascinating ebook titles available. They include the psychology of family history research,… Read More ›

Melbourne’s first Exhibition Building

Melbourne’s first Exhibition Building

January 7, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories:

Melbourne’s grand glass Exhibition Hall, built for a 1854 Exhibition and inspired by London’s famous Crystal Palace, reflected the ambition and confidence of the fledgling new colony of Victoria.

Covers of magazines available through Pressreader

2021 in Eresources

January 4, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

How did we spend our time online in 2021? We reveal the top 3 most popular Library eresources in 2021 and highlight some hidden gems to explore in 2022. Registered Victorian State Library members can access a treasure trove of full text eresources – many from home.

Aerial view of Coburg and Pentridge Prison Victoria

Glimpses of life in and around Pentridge Stockade

January 3, 2022

Our stories, Victorian history:

Pentridge Stockade housed men, women and children for nearly 150 years, as the suburb of Coburg developed around the bluestone edifice.

The people’s playground: Eastern Beach, Geelong

The people’s playground: Eastern Beach, Geelong

December 30, 2021

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Wander down to Geelong’s Eastern Beach on a hot day over summer and you’ll be greeted by a huge crowd of sun seekers.

Santa at McCallums Wangaratta, Victoria, 1970. Photo by Le Dawn Studios. This work is in copyright; H2006.100/1738

How to train your Santa

December 20, 2021

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Have you spotted Santa in a department store lately? There’s more to being Santa than you might think! Let’s take a look at the history of department store Santas and explore what they learn at Santa School.

Such was life

A passion for adventure: Agatha Christie in Victoria

A passion for adventure: Agatha Christie in Victoria

January 13, 2025 2 comments

In 1922 Agatha Christie accompanied her husband on an around the world tour to promote the British Empire Exhibition in 1924. On her travels, she spent 10 days in Victoria- find out what she thought…

Arts

Victoria’s State Artist: Harold Freedman

Victoria’s State Artist: Harold Freedman

December 10, 2024 0 comments

Cavalacde of Transport, The Story of Fire and The history of Australian thoroughbred racing are some of Melbourne’s largest and most seen artworks. These were from the hands of Harold Freedman, locally born and bred, whose exploration of monumental art came later in his life.