Archives of Sexuality & Gender: history, changes and reality

Archives of Sexuality & Gender: history, changes and reality

May 17, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Join us as we explore the Archives of Sexuality and Gender. This amazing database illuminates the experiences of the LGBTIQ+ community across centuries, ethnicities, ages, religions, political orientations and geographical locations.

William Shakespeare, 1860, Sadd, H.S. (Henry Samuel), H88.46/1

Online Collection Spotlight: New Oxford Shakespeare

May 15, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

What exactly is ‘the wat’ry star’? What does ‘verily’ mean? And who really wrote the ‘Fly Scene’ in Titus Andronicus? Read on and discover the answers using the New Oxford Shakespeare database!

Image of a pandemic mask with digital word/ number 'Vote 1

The social distance election

May 14, 2022

Our stories, Politics:

The 2020 Victorian councils elections were conducted by post meaning the Library’s acquisition team had a huge task to ensure the election material was web-archived.

From Moonahculla to Melbourne: The life of Auntie Marge (Margaret) Tucker

From Moonahculla to Melbourne: The life of Auntie Marge (Margaret) Tucker

May 12, 2022

Our stories:

Auntie Marge Tucker was a changemaker, author and activist who campaigned for the rights of Aboriginal women.

Capturing politics & protest through ephemera

Capturing politics & protest through ephemera

May 12, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

The Riley and Political Ephemera Collection is a wide-ranging and living collection that captures political life in Victoria through the medium of ephemera.

Australian houses and European migration: architects, designers and builders.

Australian houses and European migration: architects, designers and builders.

May 7, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

See some of the contribution of European migrants to architecture, design and home-making in Melbourne.

Preserving Marvellous Melbourne

Preserving Marvellous Melbourne

May 6, 2022

Collection Care, News, Our stories:

William Butterfield’s original drawings of St Paul’s Cathedral are in urgent need of conservation treatment. Learn how the Library’s working to preserve the plans for the State Collection, and how you can help.

Celebrating 150 years of public education

Celebrating 150 years of public education

May 3, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

This year marks the 150th anniversary of public education in Victoria, and a chance to reflect on our long-held belief that every child deserves a high-quality education, regardless of their background.

Evolution of the people’s forecourt

Evolution of the people’s forecourt

May 2, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

State Library Victoria was not always a popular venue for rallies, protests and public speakers in the Melbourne CBD. So when did it become the norm?

The Collected Works bookshop: Melbourne’s hidden treasure

The Collected Works bookshop: Melbourne’s hidden treasure

May 1, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

For years, writers from around Australia and across the globe, made beelines to Melbourne’s ‘hidden treasure,’ the Collected Works Bookshop in the Nicholas Building. Entering it felt like reaching ‘heaven,’ with Kris and Loretta Hemensley its warm, generous hosts.

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.