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.
New Sights: Australian classics and much more
Film, Musicals, Performing Arts, Rare Books & Arts:
Some great new arrivals in Arts include classic Australian movies, timeless musical favourites, live rock concerts and opera hits on DVD and Blu-Ray. The Dish. (DVD) They’re a Weird Mob. (DVD)… Read More ›
Beauty spots: from facial flaws to fashion statements
Social life & customs, Such was life, Theatre:
Under the eye or the corner of the mouth? Does the position of your beauty spot mean you are a flirt, engaged or just cheeky? Stars, pigs and horses; from the eighteenth century onward, the beauty spot has an alluring past.
Why can’t I find my ancestor?
When searching for family history records it’s not unusual to encounter ‘brick walls’ or barriers. Learn strategies for dealing with some of the common obstacles you may face when researching Victorian records.
Such was life
Online Collection Spotlight: Bloomsbury Historic Dress in Detail
Watch the wonders of fashion unfold with this informative and visually stunning peak into the history of clothing. This video database, with companion articles, explores historical contexts, materials, and construction methods, enabling you to see how different garments were worn, and the function that each item served.
Arts
Online Collection Spotlight: American Music
From Willie Nelson to Dinah Washington, Muddy Waters to Flaco Jimenez, you can enjoy a journey across the diverse musical roots of America with the Music Online: American Music database. Hosting an astonishing array of talent the collection consists of almost 7000 albums and 120,000 songs.
