Play the Game: Summer beach camps

Play the Game: Summer beach camps

January 15, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

A stronger, more inclusive society. This was the vision for the Lord Somers and Lord Mayor’s camps, bringing children from all corners of Victoria, and all walks of life together for summer seaside adventures.

H29415/3

Online Collection Spotlight: Oxford Reference Online

January 14, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

In Mozart’s opera ‘The marriage of Figaro’ who married Figaro?
The world at your fingertips! Explore the riches of the Oxford Reference Online collection.

Family history ebooks

Family history ebooks

January 11, 2022

Family matters, Research tips & tricks:

There is nothing like a good book to keep you occupied for hours. For family historians, there are some fascinating ebook titles available. They include the psychology of family history research,… Read More ›

Melbourne’s first Exhibition Building

Melbourne’s first Exhibition Building

January 7, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories:

Melbourne’s grand glass Exhibition Hall, built for a 1854 Exhibition and inspired by London’s famous Crystal Palace, reflected the ambition and confidence of the fledgling new colony of Victoria.

Covers of magazines available through Pressreader

2021 in Eresources

January 4, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

How did we spend our time online in 2021? We reveal the top 3 most popular Library eresources in 2021 and highlight some hidden gems to explore in 2022. Registered Victorian State Library members can access a treasure trove of full text eresources – many from home.

Aerial view of Coburg and Pentridge Prison Victoria

Glimpses of life in and around Pentridge Stockade

January 3, 2022

Our stories, Victorian history:

Pentridge Stockade housed men, women and children for nearly 150 years, as the suburb of Coburg developed around the bluestone edifice.

The people’s playground: Eastern Beach, Geelong

The people’s playground: Eastern Beach, Geelong

December 30, 2021

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Wander down to Geelong’s Eastern Beach on a hot day over summer and you’ll be greeted by a huge crowd of sun seekers.

Santa at McCallums Wangaratta, Victoria, 1970. Photo by Le Dawn Studios. This work is in copyright; H2006.100/1738

How to train your Santa

December 20, 2021

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Have you spotted Santa in a department store lately? There’s more to being Santa than you might think! Let’s take a look at the history of department store Santas and explore what they learn at Santa School.

It’s alive! The first illustrated representation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

It’s alive! The first illustrated representation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

December 17, 2021

Collection spotlights, New books, Our stories, Rare Books & Arts:

State Library Victoria recently acquired an 1832 printing of the third edition of Mary Shelley’s, Frankenstein for its Rare Book Collection.

Coming soon – the 1921 England and Wales census

Coming soon – the 1921 England and Wales census

December 16, 2021

Family matters, Research tips & tricks, Websites:

Great news for family historians. On the 6th January, the 1921 Census for England and Wales will be published online through FindMyPast, in partnership with the National Archives UK. The… Read More ›

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.