Half a Cow Records, 2016

New Sounds : local performers, Electrical Bananas, Firework Dogs & assorted others.

April 7, 2017

Music, Rare Books & Arts:

Lots of new arrivals in the Library’s large collection of recordings by local groups, performers and composers, all released on independent labels.

The Fred Boyle Photographic Collection

The Fred Boyle Photographic Collection

March 30, 2017

People & professions, Such was life:

The Fred Boyle Photographic Collection portrays Echuca in the 1950s and ’60s as a town driven by community spirit.

The redeveloped Ian Potter Queen's Hall.

Revealed today – Architectural designs for State Library Victoria

March 30, 2017

Announcements, News:

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

The owl and the heiress: The life of one book over six centuries

March 29, 2017

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 ›

Cloud watching: how we came to understand the weather

Cloud watching: how we came to understand the weather

March 23, 2017

Our stories:

People love talking about the weather. How many times have you heard someone say “Crazy weather we’re having, hey?” in the past week (or said it yourself)?

Writers on Writers: New publishing venture will celebrate the best of Australian writing

Writers on Writers: New publishing venture will celebrate the best of Australian writing

March 16, 2017

News:

Some of Australia’s most acclaimed writers, including Christos Tsiolkas and Alice Pung, will feature in a groundbreaking collaboration between independent publisher Black Inc., the University of Melbourne and State Library Victoria.

Vivian Bullwinkel far right at the Australian General Hospital, ca. 1945. Source.

8 women from Australia’s history you should know

March 8, 2017

Our stories:

The effect Australia’s women have had on our country is undeniable yet oft-forgotten. That’s why we’re taking March—Women’s History Month—to look back and share the stories of women from our past.

Federici’s ghost

Federici’s ghost

March 7, 2017

Arts & literature, Such was life:

Melbourne’s Princess Theatre has been host to many fine performers over the years, but the most famous performance of all belongs to its ghost, Federici.

2017 Inky Award longlist announced, teens invited to apply for judging panel

2017 Inky Award longlist announced, teens invited to apply for judging panel

February 23, 2017

Announcements, News:

The Centre for Youth Literature at State Library Victoria has announced the longlist for the 2017 Inky Awards for young adult literature.

Maggie 'Herself', Maggie Diaz, 1950-1969

Maggie Diaz: remembering a life as modern as tomorrow

February 17, 2017

Events, Photography:

Maggie Diaz was an American-born Australian commercial photographer who lived and worked in Melbourne.

Such was life

Feasts of Christmas past

Feasts of Christmas past

December 15, 2025 0 comments

What are your favourite festive food memories? Have you ever enjoyed Christmas Day lunch on the beach, up a mountain or aboard a ship? Do you remember pineapple glazed ham? Would you like the 100-year-old recipe for walnut stuffing? The State Library’s historic menus, cookbooks, photos and magazines trace Christmas foods from early colonial tables to the festive flavours celebrated by our diverse migrant communities. Dive in and rediscover your favourite Christmas dishes — or find inspiration for this year’s feast.

Arts

Portraits of Melbourne artists in their studios

Portraits of Melbourne artists in their studios

December 8, 2025 0 comments

John Hinds, an artist, photographer and active ROAR member from 1986 to 1992 spent time capturing artists he personally knew and the spaces that they used to create their works. His photographs captured a unique and often unseen time and place, creating an invaluable insight into the art scene in Melbourne.