Ladies in the lounge
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
These days, the idea of a hotel ‘ladies’ lounge’ seems archaic, but there was a time not so long ago when they were de rigueur…
Broken glass 2: eclectic boogaloo. More imperfect gems from the Pictures Collection
Ask a librarian, Photography, Preservation:
In ‘Broken Glass (part 1)’, we looked at how the Library captures glass plate negatives, and explored some interestingly damaged photographs from the Library’s collection. In this – part 2 – we look at how the Library houses the negatives and show some more examples of unexpected beauty.
Online Collection Spotlight: Naxos Spoken Word Library
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:
Love a good story but feeling overwhelmed by that heavy book, classic literary prose, or confounding nature of James Joyce’s wit? Want to explore new and classic literature, biographies, histories, and philosophies but struggling to find the time? Then listen up and be inspired by the range of audio books available through Naxos Spoken Word Library!
Greater love hath no man. 90 years of the Shrine
Ask a librarian, Buildings & streets, Victorian history:
The eleventh hour, the eleventh day, the eleventh month. Every year at this exact time we remember those who gave us the greatest gift: freedom. On November 11, 2024 the Shrine of Remembrance will commemorate it’s 90th anniversary.
Broken glass: accidental beauty in the Library’s photographic collection
We are always looking for that perfect image of the past. While often seen as a detriment, broken glass and chemical emulsion damage on early photographic glass plate negatives can have their own particular beauty. Explore a selection of interestingly damaged photographs from the Library’s collection.
The clairvoyant and the magician: Mystic Mora and Doc Rowe
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
A clairvoyant and a magician – a magical pairing you might say. For the celebrated entertainment duo Mystic Mora and Doc Rowe, it was a union that brought extraordinary success and fame, and a life full of exotic travels and uncommon adventures.
Discovering Sylvia Plath’s novel: The Bell Jar
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Rare Books & Arts:
In honour of Sylvia Plath’s 92nd birthday, we explore the resources available at the Library for exploring the themes and context of Plath’s only published novel: The Bell Jar
Melbourne’s Marvellous Madame Weigel
Collections, People & professions, Such was life, Victorian history:
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 been digitised and made available online.
Online Collection Spotlight: Political Extremism and Radicalism
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:
Discover the philosophies and tactics of extremist groups in the 20th century with the Political Extremism and Radicalism database.
Such was life
Reminiscences from 1965
In 1965, some older Victorians wrote short essays for a competition, recalling their early lives.
Arts
Collecting Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie was a leading author of the golden age of detective fiction whose books continue to excite, delight and intrigue readers. To celebrate her outstanding legacy, State Library Victoria recently acquired first editions of some of Christie’s most popular titles.
