Giant student artworks transform State Library
Larger-than-life unicorns, futuristic creatures and vibrant flowers bring to life State Library Victoria’s facade with the unveiling of an artwork spanning 27 metres by RMIT student Caro Pattle.
New listening post sounds in Arts
Film, Music, Rare Books & Arts:
There are some great new arrivals in pop, rock, film soundtracks, opera and classical featuring the following additions to the Library’s music collection, currently showcased on our wonderful new listening posts in the Arts Reading Room.
2018 Victorian Community History Award winners announced
A book about the history of mental health during the gold rush in Victoria has been awarded top prize at the 2018 Victorian Community History Awards.
Discover your transformed State Library
As well as opening new spaces and entrances at the Library, we’ve introduced new ways of interacting with Library staff, collections and services. Get to know your Library with this guide to what’s new.
Travel guides for the discerning traveller
When you step outside your comfort zone to explore the world, suddenly a little book is the only safety blanket you’ve got. Whether the iconic red bindings of a Murray or Baedeker, or a dogeared Lonely Planet, travel guides have been clutched in the hands of discerning travellers the world over. Discover their varied forms in our collection.
The ancient art of bellringing
Social life & customs, Such was life:
The ancient art of bellringing is harder than it looks. Bellringers require confidence and stamina, not to mention an excellent memory.
Banned books
Arts & literature, Our stories:
Throughout history, when those in power have felt threatened by the ‘dangerous’ ideas contained in the pages of books, the offending books have been banned, stripped from shelves, and even burned. But censorship isn’t just a thing of the past. Take a look at prohibited and censored books, old and new.
Major $20,000 public art commission awarded to Melbourne artist, Tai Snaith
Announcements, Exhibitions, News:
A large-scale public artwork by Melbourne artist Tai Snaith was unveiled inside the first of the new spaces officially opened as part of State Library Victoria’s $88.1 million redevelopment project.
Bookings open for online family history course
Branching Out, Family matters:
Interested in researching your Victorian family history? Why not try our free online family history course Branching out.
Illustrated children’s books: Kay Nielsen (1886-1957)
Arts & literature, Our stories:
Kay Nielsen’s delicate illustrations combined the exquisite motifs of the Art Nouveau movement with oriental influences. The elaborate, decorative artworks bring brilliant colour tinged with a hint of eeriness to the pages of children’s fairy tales.
Such was life
Melbourne’s Marvelous Madame Weigel
Madame Weigel’s Journal of Fashion became a staple of Australian life for those interested in being well dressed, well presented, and well informed. This treasure trove has recently be digitised and made available online.
Arts
‘It really belongs to you people anyway…’: The story of Ken Pound
To celebrate the Children’s Book Council of Australia Week, we pay tribute to the life of children’s literature collector, Ken Pound, and the collection he has left for us all.
