2014 in numbers at the State Library

2014 in numbers at the State Library

December 18, 2014

Our stories:

Everyone loves an end-of-year round-up – enjoy 2014 in numbers from State Library Victoria.

Monster Petition

Monster Petition

December 17, 2014

Politics, Such was life:

In 1891 women throughout Victoria went door to door, gathering signatures for a women’s suffrage petition, which became known as the ‘monster petition’.

Bohemian Melbourne exhibition launches

Bohemian Melbourne exhibition launches

December 15, 2014

News:

The ‘Bohemian Melbourne’ exhibition launched last night with much fanfare, bohemian performances and spirited speeches.

Countdown to an exhibition

Countdown to an exhibition

December 9, 2014

Our stories:

Come behind the scenes in the lead up to our new ‘Bohemian Melbourne’ exhibition.

New interactive Birds of America display

New interactive Birds of America display

December 8, 2014

News:

Get up close to one of the Library’s most significant books through our new interactive display.

The Summer Read launches

The Summer Read launches

December 5, 2014

News:

The annual Summer Read has launched – grab one of these ten great Victorian books.

Matthew Flinders’ cat

Matthew Flinders’ cat

December 5, 2014

People & professions, Such was life:

One of my favourite books in our children’s collection is a story written by explorer Matthew Flinders about his cat, Trim. This story languished for many years in the archives of the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, until it was discovered and published in the literary magazine Overland in 1973.

Researching your multicultural ancestors – new research guide

Researching your multicultural ancestors – new research guide

December 3, 2014

Family matters, Research guides:

To coincide with the theme of this year’s Family History Feast, we have released a new Family History research guide called Researching your multicultural ancestors.

Livening the place up with a bit of bohemianism

Livening the place up with a bit of bohemianism

December 2, 2014

Film, Photography, Rare Books & Arts, Visual arts:

Bohemians come in all shapes and sizes

The Great Levante and his new magical extravaganza. Accession no: ALMA 94.2/115

Researching ancestors in the performing arts

December 1, 2014

Family matters, Research tips & tricks:

Whether your ancestor was an actor, circus performer, magician or opera singer, the State Library holds a number of resources that can help you research your performing ancestors in Australia.

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.