The early days of television in Victoria

The early days of television in Victoria

November 19, 2021

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

A brief look at the preparation and early days of television broadcasting in Victoria, how ‘the box’ was made and became a part of everyday life.

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Online Collection Spotlight: Food and Drink in History

November 12, 2021

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:

Do you have a fondness for fondue, a preference for piroshki, a hankering for empanadas, or wish to savour strudel? Well, our Food and Drink in History database has these recipes and many, many more from many countries and many eras. The database explores the historical evolution of food and drink through the ages and through cultures across the world. 

Vale Sir James Gobbo, AC, CVO, QC.

Vale Sir James Gobbo, AC, CVO, QC.

November 9, 2021

Announcements, News:

State Library Victoria is saddened by the passing of Sir James Gobbo, AC, CVO, QC., 25th Governor of Victoria.

Spooky stories from the Library

Spooky stories from the Library

October 29, 2021

News:

In celebration of the spooky season, we asked staff at the Library to share some eerie, mysterious and spine-chilling tales from their years, and sometimes decades, walking its historic halls.

Researching religion and spirituality at the State Library

Researching religion and spirituality at the State Library

October 29, 2021

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Discover the diverse collection of works on religion and spirituality held at the State Library Victoria – they are for everyone no matter what path you travel.

Mapping the city with Mahlstedt

Mapping the city with Mahlstedt

October 22, 2021

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

The Mahlstedt Fire Insurance Plans show Melbourne’s CBD in precise detail. Learn how these incredible resources can be used to track changes to the city throughout the years.

The Library’s virtual volunteers

The Library’s virtual volunteers

October 19, 2021

Our stories, Such was life:

Some of the Library’s volunteers have been correcting the text of digitised historical Victorian newspapers, and in so doing, revealing more about our past.

Melting Moments, 2021. The Huxleys, photographer. This work is in copyright.

Collecting during a closure

October 15, 2021

About us, News:

The doors to the Library building may be closed, but our extensive and diverse collection is continuing to grow thanks to the work of our talented librarians.

When Spanish Flu came to Victoria

When Spanish Flu came to Victoria

September 28, 2021

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

Spanish flu arrived in Australia in January 1919. With masks, closures, quarantine, inter-governmental squabbles and death, the events of a century ago resonate very keenly today.

Kermit reads a book about frogs

Online Collection Spotlight: Britannica Kids

September 27, 2021

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

What do frogs and salamanders have in common? What’s the largest coral reef on Earth? And who wrote the picture book, ‘Possum Magic’? The Britannica Kids online encyclopaedia doesn’t just offer answers to these questions.

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.