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Conserving a fascinating piece of book history: Fragment of a French Bible, c. 1150-1175

Conserving a fascinating piece of book history: Fragment of a French Bible, c. 1150-1175

May 2, 2025

Uncategorized:

In 2022, State Library Victoria added a fascinating piece of book history to its growing collection of fragments held within the Rare Books Collection. The item, a 315 x 265… Read More ›

Online Collection Spotlight: The Making of the Modern World

Online Collection Spotlight: The Making of the Modern World

April 11, 2025

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories, Uncategorized:

This post explores another of our Gale databases – The Making of the Modern World – as it charts the spread of Western wealth, trade and colonial takeovers, and of knowledge and ideas.

Here at last! The 1921 census for England and Wales

Here at last! The 1921 census for England and Wales

March 19, 2025

census, census records, British records, Family matters, Uncategorized:

Great news for anyone interested in British history. The 1921 census for England and Wales can now be accessed onsite at State Library Victoria through both the FindMyPast and Ancestry databases.

Unique format, unique challenges: pop-up and movable books at State Library Victoria

Unique format, unique challenges: pop-up and movable books at State Library Victoria

February 28, 2025

Collection Care, Conservation, Uncategorized:

At State Library Victoria we have close to 1000 pop-up and movable books, ranging from the mid-1600s to present day. These items represent one of few three-dimensional, interactive mediums in history that has enduring appeal. However, with great ingenuity come considerable conservation challenges. Learn about the factors that make pop-up and movable books so captivating, yet uniquely susceptible to physical wear and tear.

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Discovering Oscar Wilde through State Library Victoria’s collection

November 28, 2024

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Uncategorized:

The State Library Victoria collection holds many resources for those interested in Oscar Wilde’s writings and life. Through newspapers, databases, books and manuscripts we explore the life of this wonderful Irish writer.

The Garden Gazette and more – new in our popular digitised collections

The Garden Gazette and more – new in our popular digitised collections

December 14, 2023

Collection spotlights, Social life & customs, Uncategorized:

Explore this collection of newly digitised gardening and horticulture periodicals of the early 20th century.

Online Collection Spotlight: Travel Writing, Spectacle and World History

Online Collection Spotlight: Travel Writing, Spectacle and World History

November 15, 2023

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Social life & customs, Uncategorized:

What were the conditions like on the Trans-Siberian railway for women in the 1930s? Which American city was most like Melbourne in the 50s? And does anyone know what to wear to dinner when traveling first-class by ship? Learn about travel writing, but from a uniquely female perspective in the Travel Writing, Spectacle and World History database.

Fred Lowen, Dunera boy.

Fred Lowen, Dunera boy.

August 16, 2023

Arts & literature, Collection spotlights, Such was life, Uncategorized, Visual arts, War:

The Dunera internees – the Dunera Boys – made a significant contribution to Australian cultural life – Fred Lowen was one of these men, read on to learn some of his story, and see his evocative artworks.
Image: The potato peelers, H91.350/8

Mrs Fanny Finch takes a stand

Mrs Fanny Finch takes a stand

March 5, 2022

Uncategorized:

Equal rights for women was a long, hard earned achievement. The path towards the freedoms we enjoy today was paved by many brave women who spoke their minds when it wasn’t an easy thing to do, who wouldn’t take NO as an answer. This article is about one of them: Fanny Finch, single mother of four, and the first known woman to vote in an Australian election.

Dan Morgan: bushranger

Dan Morgan: bushranger

April 7, 2015

People & professions, Such was life, Uncategorized:

It is 150 years since the death of the bushranger known as Dan Morgan.