The ancient art of bellringing
Social life & customs, Such was life:
The ancient art of bellringing is harder than it looks. Bellringers require confidence and stamina, not to mention an excellent memory.
Banned books
Arts & literature, Our stories:
Throughout history, when those in power have felt threatened by the ‘dangerous’ ideas contained in the pages of books, the offending books have been banned, stripped from shelves, and even burned. But censorship isn’t just a thing of the past. Take a look at prohibited and censored books, old and new.
Major $20,000 public art commission awarded to Melbourne artist, Tai Snaith
Announcements, Exhibitions, News:
A large-scale public artwork by Melbourne artist Tai Snaith was unveiled inside the first of the new spaces officially opened as part of State Library Victoria’s $88.1 million redevelopment project.
Bookings open for online family history course
Branching Out, Family matters:
Interested in researching your Victorian family history? Why not try our free online family history course Branching out.
Illustrated children’s books: Kay Nielsen (1886-1957)
Arts & literature, Our stories:
Kay Nielsen’s delicate illustrations combined the exquisite motifs of the Art Nouveau movement with oriental influences. The elaborate, decorative artworks bring brilliant colour tinged with a hint of eeriness to the pages of children’s fairy tales.
New Sights: Australian classics and much more
Film, Musicals, Performing Arts, Rare Books & Arts:
Some great new arrivals in Arts include classic Australian movies, timeless musical favourites, live rock concerts and opera hits on DVD and Blu-Ray. The Dish. (DVD) They’re a Weird Mob. (DVD)… Read More ›
Beauty spots: from facial flaws to fashion statements
Social life & customs, Such was life, Theatre:
Under the eye or the corner of the mouth? Does the position of your beauty spot mean you are a flirt, engaged or just cheeky? Stars, pigs and horses; from the eighteenth century onward, the beauty spot has an alluring past.
Why can’t I find my ancestor?
When searching for family history records it’s not unusual to encounter ‘brick walls’ or barriers. Learn strategies for dealing with some of the common obstacles you may face when researching Victorian records.
Are you being served?
Step back in time to the old-fashioned servo, where consumer choice was de rigueur, and service was king.
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.
Such was life
Arts
‘It really belongs to you people anyway…’: The story of Ken Pound
To celebrate the Children’s Book Council of Australia Week, we pay tribute to the life of children’s literature collector, Ken Pound, and the collection he has left for us all.
