Let there be light
Within months of our Library opening in 1856 gas lighting was installed to allow the Library to stay open in the evenings. However, there were some unforeseen problems, and the gas lights were later replaced by electricity.
Post Tagged with: "state library of victoria"
Evolution of the people’s forecourt
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
State Library Victoria was not always a popular venue for rallies, protests and public speakers in the Melbourne CBD. So when did it become the norm?
The breaking of the drought: silent movies and photography
Arts & literature, Such was life:
The Library has digitised some wonderful photographs taken during the filming of the 1920 Australian silent movie, ‘The breaking of the drought.’ Melodrama, song, dance, water ballet, seduction, ruin and redemption; this movie has it all. And a happy ending too.
The dais in the dome
Once upon a time a staff member sat in the dais in the La Trobe Reading Room, watching over any chattering public. I asked two long term SLV librarians how this used to work.
Revealed today – Architectural designs for State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria is proud to reveal the new designs for its $88.1 million redevelopment, Vision 2020. The new designs, created by internationally acclaimed firms Architectus and Denmark’s Schmidt Hammer Lassen, will transform this iconic Melbourne institution and open up 40% more space to the public.
The owl and the heiress: The life of one book over six centuries
Arts & literature, Our stories:
What do Athena’s little owl, an unashamedly unmarried Chicago heiress, and the Heide School of modernist Australian artists have in common? A book in our collection, as it turns out… Recently I… Read More ›
State Library Victoria: open for 160 years
Cities & towns, Such was life:
On the Library’s 160th birthday we look at events which have shaped Victoria since 1856.
Captain Cook’s cottage
Buildings & streets, Such was life:
Captain Cooks’ cottage, located in Fitzroy Gardens, was initially built by Captain Cook’s family in the town of Great Ayton in Yorkshire, England.
The public library in 2030
A new report produced by the State Library of Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria Network explores what public libraries may look like in 2030 and the results may surprise you.
Happy birthday Sir Redmond Barry
Today we celebrate the 200th birthday of Sir Redmond Barry, founding trustee of the Library. Sir Redmond Barry (1813 – 1880) was an Anglo-Irish lawyer who arrived in Melbourne in… Read More ›
