‘Iceberg’ Irvine and the Kyabram Movement
Our stories, Victorian history:
In late 1901, locals in Kyabram found a common cause in government extravagance. Politician William ‘Iceberg’ Irvine saw an opportunity in aligning with the Kyabram Movement.
Riverside delights on the Yarra
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” Ratty, Wind in the Willows. A relic of a time when much of early Melbourne’s leisure and recreational activity revolved around the Birrarung | Yarra river, the Studley Park boathouse is the oldest continually operating boathouse on the Yarra, possibly the oldest in Victoria.
Online Collection Spotlight: Gale Literature
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
The Gale Literature database draws together full text reviews and analysis of literature from around the world. It is exceptionally useful for students, bibliophiles, book clubbers or the casual reader.
Lion at large on Little Collins
Ask a librarian, Victorian history:
A lion wandering down Little Collins Street? Not something you see every day, but this is exactly the scene that Melburnians witnessed on the 11th of February 1911 after a magic trick did not go quite as planned.
Collection Discovery tips: Sands & McDougall’s directories
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Tips and tricks:
Explore Sands & McDougall’s directories with Collection Discovery. Find out what’s new and how to view and download in the image viewer.
Captain Kenney’s bathing ship
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
There were several ‘sea baths’ at St Kilda in the 19th century, but none were more famous than Captain Kenney’s bathing ship, the Nancy.
A close look at the Michael Abbott Collection
Exhibitions, Rare Books & Arts:
The internationally significant Michael Abbott Collection of South-East Asian manuscripts is now on display as part of the World of the book 2022 exhibition.
It’s a LEGO® world
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
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
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.
Such was life
The sky is the limit: pioneering aviator Freda Thompson
In 1934, Australian aviator, Freda Thompson, made history as the first Australian woman to fly solo from England to Australia. Thompson was a pioneer who believed the sky was the limit – she wanted to reach that limit, to feel the adrenaline, to just fly.
Arts
Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art
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.
