William Shakespeare, 1860, Sadd, H.S. (Henry Samuel), H88.46/1

Online Collection Spotlight: New Oxford Shakespeare

May 15, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

What exactly is ‘the wat’ry star’? What does ‘verily’ mean? And who really wrote the ‘Fly Scene’ in Titus Andronicus? Read on and discover the answers using the New Oxford Shakespeare database!

Image of a pandemic mask with digital word/ number 'Vote 1

The social distance election

May 14, 2022

Our stories, Politics:

The 2020 Victorian councils elections were conducted by post meaning the Library’s acquisition team had a huge task to ensure the election material was web-archived.

From Moonahculla to Melbourne: The life of Auntie Marge (Margaret) Tucker

From Moonahculla to Melbourne: The life of Auntie Marge (Margaret) Tucker

May 12, 2022

Our stories:

Auntie Marge Tucker was a changemaker, author and activist who campaigned for the rights of Aboriginal women.

Capturing politics & protest through ephemera

Capturing politics & protest through ephemera

May 12, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

The Riley and Political Ephemera Collection is a wide-ranging and living collection that captures political life in Victoria through the medium of ephemera.

Australian houses and European migration: architects, designers and builders.

Australian houses and European migration: architects, designers and builders.

May 7, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

See some of the contribution of European migrants to architecture, design and home-making in Melbourne.

Preserving Marvellous Melbourne

Preserving Marvellous Melbourne

May 6, 2022

Collection Care, News, Our stories:

William Butterfield’s original drawings of St Paul’s Cathedral are in urgent need of conservation treatment. Learn how the Library’s working to preserve the plans for the State Collection, and how you can help.

Celebrating 150 years of public education

Celebrating 150 years of public education

May 3, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

This year marks the 150th anniversary of public education in Victoria, and a chance to reflect on our long-held belief that every child deserves a high-quality education, regardless of their background.

Evolution of the people’s forecourt

Evolution of the people’s forecourt

May 2, 2022

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 Collected Works bookshop: Melbourne’s hidden treasure

The Collected Works bookshop: Melbourne’s hidden treasure

May 1, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

For years, writers from around Australia and across the globe, made beelines to Melbourne’s ‘hidden treasure,’ the Collected Works Bookshop in the Nicholas Building. Entering it felt like reaching ‘heaven,’ with Kris and Loretta Hemensley its warm, generous hosts.

Researching your Irish rebels

Researching your Irish rebels

April 24, 2022

Family matters, Research tips & tricks:

This year marks 106 years since the events of the Irish Easter Rising. For those with ancestors involved in the Rising or subsequent events, there are a number of family history records that you can use to trace their activities.

Such was life

Strange lights in the sky: The Westall UFO event, 1966

Strange lights in the sky: The Westall UFO event, 1966

April 6, 2024 9 comments

On 6 April 1966, in a quiet suburb south east of Melbourne, reports emerged of something strange in the sky…

Arts

Nineteenth century Victorians

Nineteenth century Victorians

December 31, 2023 5 comments

The Etkins collection consists of wonderful portraits of people and places throughout 19th century Victoria.