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.
Online Collection Spotlight: Oxford Reference Online
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 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 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.
2021 in Eresources
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.
Glimpses of life in and around Pentridge Stockade
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
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.
How to train your Santa
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.
It’s alive! The first illustrated representation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Collection spotlights, New books, Our stories, Rare Books & Arts:
State Library Victoria recently acquired an 1832 printing of the third edition of Mary Shelley’s, Frankenstein for its Rare Book Collection.
Such was life
Feasts of Christmas past
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
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.
