New books: some well known faces amongst them

New books: some well known faces amongst them

February 5, 2015

New books, Rare Books & Arts:

It’s always good to meet old friends on the new books shelf, and make a few new friends as well.

Death on the Pyramids

Death on the Pyramids

February 5, 2015

Such was life, War:

Some soldiers in Egypt during World War I were so taken by the pyramids, they decided to climb them, with tragic results.

Children’s Book Festival 2015 line-up announced

Children’s Book Festival 2015 line-up announced

February 2, 2015

News:

For one day only the State Library and Wheeler Centre will be turned into your very own children’s playground.

Final weeks of the Summer Read

Final weeks of the Summer Read

February 2, 2015

News:

The Summer Read closes on 15 February, leaving you just enough time to read one of the recommended books and go into the prize draw.

State Library Victoria calls for Fellowships for 2015

January 30, 2015

News:

Applications open for Australia’s largest fellowship program.

Kevin James Collection

If it’s not vinyl, it’s not a record…..

January 29, 2015

Film, Music, Rare Books & Arts:

A few years back we were extremely fortunate to be on the receiving end of a marvellous collection of vinyl record albums from the estate of Kevin James, a passionate collector.

Before it was the Australian Open it was the…

Before it was the Australian Open it was the…

January 27, 2015

Sport, Such was life:

The first Victorian tennis championships took place in 1880 just three years after the first Wimbledon tournament.

Summer sound tracks & jukebox bop

Summer sound tracks & jukebox bop

January 23, 2015

Film, Music, Popular music, Rare Books & Arts:

Summer holiday sounds with a 60s flavour currently feature on Listening Posts in Arts.  They include new releases and old favourites in film sound tracks and popular music. The online catalogue indicates which Listening Post the CD is available… Read More ›

Using the Victorian Police Gazette to research your ancestors

Using the Victorian Police Gazette to research your ancestors

January 19, 2015

Family matters:

The Victorian Police Gazette present a fascinating and unique view of social and family history in Victoria. Not only does it provide a detailed record on the history of policing in Victoria but it also include valuable information on individuals – the police, the criminals and the victims.

The Naked Lunch (London, John Calder, 1964)

William Burroughs: Beat Icon

January 15, 2015

Rare Books & Arts:

This year, Mirror of the World features a selection of works by William Burroughs (1914–1997), who, in the centenary year of his birth, still casts a long shadow on literary and cultural landscapes.

Such was life

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 2 comments

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.

Arts

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 2 comments

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.