State Library Victoria in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Landmark & historical place

State Library Victoria

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 466 025 489

Address: 328 Swanston Street 3000 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au

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25.01.2022 Looking for excursion ideas? Let us bring the (virtual) excursion to you! Sharpen your students' historical and critical thinking skills with our digital offering featuring key items from the State Library's collection. Suitable for Years 3-8 and 9-VCE.... Find out more: slv.vic.gov.au/w/colonial-victoria-online-history-excursion

25.01.2022 Today is #InternationalMountainDay and how fitting, with our wintry week of December snow (). Here, you can spot similar scenes from the late 1930s. Victoria's second highest mountain, Mount Feathertop, sits snowcapped - spied from the Ovens River, between the townships of Harrietville and Bright. ... What better sign to gather your hiking gear and enjoy Victoria's beautiful High Country this weekend? Happy Friday! Mt. Feathertop from bridge over Ovens, between Bright and Harrietville, Gerard Stanislaus Wardell, 1937-1938, H2009.38/7.

24.01.2022 Plans for tomorrow evening? Celebrate #NAIDOC2020 at home by joining local singer-songwriter, Bart Willoughby, as he demonstrates 40 years' experience in the music industry. Bart Willoughby is a Pitjantjatjara man of the Mirning dreaming, known for pioneering a distinctive fusion of reggae with Indigenous Australian musical influences.... 7pm 12 November Free Register here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2818611038420338

24.01.2022 Our friends at ACMI have been swept up in the recent Facebook Australia changes. We're helping to spread the word that your museum of screen culture is, in fact, open again! Visit them at Fed Square this weekend for a blockbuster two days of free activities, performances and play: acmi.net.au/open

23.01.2022 Melbourne's no stranger to wet weather, but it's not often you see people rowing down the streets of South Yarra! When heavy rain burst the banks of the Yarra River 130 years ago, surrounding suburbs were inundated with water. Crowds of people travelled by train and tram to gather and watch the progress of the flood, which particularly affected the low-lying suburbs of Collingwood, Richmond, South Yarra and South Melbourne.... The city held multiple fundraising events, raising over 15,000 for the flood relief fund. Read more about the 'Great Flood' of 1891: slv.vic.gov.au/stories/from-the-vault-flood

23.01.2022 With live music still on our minds post-weekend, we're delving into the Library's Rare Books (and music) collection to bring you some 80s nostalgia. This colourful collection is Fast Forward, Australia's first regular cassette magazine. The brainchild of 3RRR presenters Bruce Milne and Andrew Maine, Fast Forward documented the post-punk scene of the early 80s.... In the pre-internet era, the tapes were packaged with printed artwork and distributed through local record stores. Thirteen issues were produced from November 1980 to October 1982. Fast Forward helped to spread music, interviews, serials and skits through local and international music communities. More here: https://bit.ly/2Lt34pH See more

22.01.2022 On this day in 1932, a crowd converged in Lorne to celebrate the opening of the newly completed Great Ocean Road. Over a 13-year construction period, 3000 returned servicemen built the road, largely by pick, shovel and barrow. Now a popular road trip for Victorian locals and visitors alike, the 'greatness' of the Great Ocean Road has never diminished.... Learn more about the challenges and champions of this incredible build via our latest blog: blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/our-stories/road-of-a-thousand-charms/ The Great Ocean Road, Cape Patton, Lorne. H90.160/74

20.01.2022 Did you know Victoria's first trams were powered by horses? In our latest From the vault video, we explore some rarely-seen photos of our earliest public transport, dating back to 1884 when the first horse tramway was built in Fairfield. Discover more: slv.vic.gov.au/stories/from-the-vault-trams

20.01.2022 Start putting the finishing touches on your costumes and get ready for CBCA Book Week! Join us from 17-23 October for a week of free online programs and activities. Let your kids’ imaginations run free in Story Talks with Julianne Negri, beloved Storytime presenter and author of The Secret Library of Hummingbird House. ... Curl up to listen to our kids’ edition of Bibliotherapy, where bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares stories and poems to nurture resilience and positive attitudes in children. Plan your week: slv.vic.gov.au/learn

18.01.2022 Today is World Teachers Day! The Library offers an exciting range of resources, programs and experiences to support teachers and engage learners of all ages. Explore our learning resources: slv.vic.gov.au/learn... Boys in maths class, Mark Strizic 1966, H2009.81/3978

16.01.2022 What is a photobook? The photobook is a particular kind of photography book, in which images prevail over text, and the joint work of the photographer, editor, and graphic designer helps build a visual narrative. Since the 1960s, photobooks have evolved into an experimental form of publishing with the potential to offer a radically personal lens on different themes, from the national marriage equality movement to the changing face of outer suburbia.... Principal Librarian, Des Cowley, shows us some of the striking Australian examples on display in our World of the book exhibition. Discover more about photobooks in our collection: slv.vic.gov.au/stories/photobooks

16.01.2022 In 2015, we acquired a breathtaking collection of rare ballet photos from the 1930s to 1950s, generously donated by extraordinary Melbourne photographer, Jean Stewart. Jean had an intuitive eye for capturing the magical and fleeting moments when dance and theatre connect while shooting from the darkness of rows E and F. Take a glimpse into the ballet world she was so passionate about, and discover some of the innovative and creative ways she captured her shots.... Special thank you to our Voiceover, David McAllister of The Australian Ballet. Discover more about this collection: slv.vic.gov.au/stories/from-the-vault-jean-stewart

14.01.2022 Is current technology sufficient enough for our children and future leaders? In the latest episode of The future of ... we passed the mic () over to you! Tune in as Santilla Chingaipe and Bridgette Engeler (Swinburne academic and futurist) answer the burning questions you had - as you pondered the distant future. ... Listen here: slv.vic.gov.au/stories/future-of

14.01.2022 We’re delighted to announce the Library will reopen to the public from Thursday 19 November. Our daily opening hours will be: 10am1.30pm 2.30pm6pm ... Details about available spaces, services, collection access and pre-bookings will be available on our website on Monday 16 November: bit.ly/3eXWwdC After the longest closure in the Library’s 164-year history, we can’t wait to welcome you back soon! David Caird (July 2020)

14.01.2022 We're back! State Library Victoria will reopen tomorrow, Thursday 18 February. We are proud of the incredible efforts of the Victorian community this week, to contain the latest outbreak of COVID-19. ... Readings Bookstore, Mr Tulk and Guild cafes will also reopen from tomorrow. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Library again. www.slv.vic.gov.au/more-information Nate Watson: https://bit.ly/3dltR3q

13.01.2022 2020 has been the year for a special type of kindness. We've been baking banana bread for our neighbours, painting rainbows to place on our window sills, saving our warmest hellos for the postie and (hopefully) offering our loved ones a little extra help around the house! This #WorldKindnessDay we're saying thank you for the good deeds already done and random acts of kindness yet to be delivered. ... Be kind, Victoria! Looking after Dad, H2004.100/1375.

12.01.2022 True or FalseA tunnel from Black Rock house led to a cave on the beach which was originally an escape route. This week, we explore the many mysteries that have surrounded Black Rock house since its construction over 160 years ago. The secrets of Black Rock house: blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/our-s/the-secrets-of-black-rock-house/

12.01.2022 From today, The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall and Hansen Hall will be closed for maintenance until 12 April 2021. The rest of the Library remains open, including the domed La Trobe Reading Room and Redmond Barry Reading Room. Open daily from 10am-6pm... slv.vic.gov.au/more-information

12.01.2022 Happy #Chanukah! (or Hanukkah) The eight-night festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem with nightly lighting of the chanukiah begins tonight. A big thank you to our friends at the Jewish Museum of Australia for kindly loaning us this Torah to display in our World of the Book exhibition. ... The Torah contains five sacred texts later adopted by Christians as part of their Old Testament. As God’s covenant with the Jewish people, it is the basis for Jewish religious, political, and social life. The Sefer Torah is handwritten on parchment made from the skin of a ritually killed animal, then placed on a scroll for public reading in the synagogue. The reader uses a yad (a rod with a hand and extended forefinger) to avoid touching the text. Torah, Eastern Europe, mid-19th century. Manuscript on vellum, with wooden rollers; with silver pointer. Courtesy of the Jewish Museum of Australia, Melbourne

12.01.2022 Movie lovers rejoice (and pass the popcorn!) With cinemas open again, we’ve been flicking through our archives of historic Hoyts around Melbourne. This Cinema was located on Bridge Road, Richmond and If you look close enough, you can spot the clock tower of the Town Hall. ... Hoyts Theatre, Richmond, Harold Paynting Collection, 1944.H2009.177/54

11.01.2022 Did you know we have many items and photographs in our collection illustrating the development and history of the iconic Melbourne Zoo? To celebrate the 158th birthday of Australia’s oldest zoo, we've dug some of them out! Learn how one family’s singular obsession with the natural world contributed to the Melbourne Zoo we know today - the Le Souëf family. The family that grew up with the Melbourne Zoo: bit.ly/3lluWZN

11.01.2022 We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ania Walwicz, one of Australia's leading poets. This image of Ania was captured by Nicholas Walton-Healey for a photographic portrait series of contemporary Victorian poets: handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/332978

10.01.2022 Settle back into a COVIDSafe Summer with Library on the Lawn. The festivities continue this weekend, as we transform the Library’s forecourt into a creative, relaxing and invigorating space featuring live performances, workshops, Storytime and music. Face painting and roving performers are back, along with a coffee cart by Mr Tulk until 4pm.... Plus, there will be colourful beanbags for you to relax on while protected by a canopy of large umbrellas. Register your attendance for Saturday, Sunday (or both!) here: http://bit.ly/3qVp24c Suitable for all ages unless specified. Please note: Masks will be mandatory at this event and throughout the Library, and physical distancing rules must be observed. Wet weather on the day? No worries! All workshops and performances will be relocated indoors. If you’re feeling unwell on the day, please cancel your ticket and do not attend. We are complying with Victorian health guidelines to protect everyone who attends this event. See more

10.01.2022 Eerily quiet at State Library Victoria. We miss being inside our beautiful Library and seeing all of you. The Library is usually one of the busiest public libraries in the world with thousands of visitors coming through our doors every day. We may never see it like this again (here's hoping.) Jamie van Leeuwen + Dan Hall... Australia Locked Down is recording the impact of COVID by collecting photos, videos and other creative submissions from the public. If you'd like to get involved, head to www.australialockeddown.com

10.01.2022 Blinky Bill, everyone’s favourite mischievous fictional koala, has been a hit with Australian children since his first appearance in Dorothy Wall’s book Blinky Bill: The Quaint Little Australian in 1933. The Library’s Collection holds exquisite coloured illustrations of the Blinky Bill series, as well as sketches and designs featuring Blinky and friends. Several of the drawings have come to the Conservation Lab for assessment and treatment, giving the team a uniqu...e opportunity to study these works up-close. Learn more about the conservation treatment of these works in our latest blog here: blogs.slv.vic.gov.au//collection-care/blinky-bill-in-the-/ See more

09.01.2022 Today is World Mental Health Day. This year has been difficult for everyone, everywhere. So, today more than ever we hope you find a little time and space to look after your mental health. Need ideas? Find just 30 minutes in your day to sit down and listen to an episode of our free wellness podcast, Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria. ... Episode six: connection In episode 6, Susan shares poems to help us think about deep connection. Listen: slv.vic.gov.au/bibliotherapy

09.01.2022 Explore Victoria from the sky through the work of aerial photographer, William Hansom, who went by the name of Airspy. Airspy hired ex-military pilots to capture unique bird's eye views of Melbourne and regional Victoria. Their work covered suburbs and rural locations, from Coburg to Lakes Entrance, and documented many of Melbourne's iconic landmarks including: ... Luna Park The Melbourne Cricket Ground Queen Victoria Market Airspy was passionate about capturing the progress of Melbourne over time and did it with incredible precision and quality. The Library's stunning collection of Airspy photography contains over 1800 digitised images for you to explore online. Discover more: slv.vic.gov.au/stories/from-the-vault-aerial-vic

09.01.2022 Melbourne Music Week kicks off today, local music lovers! This year's marathon event (Melbourne Music WeekExtended) features an all-local line-up and will run from today until the 28th of Feb. Keep an eye on our socials in the coming weeks, as we share some standout music memorabilia from our collection.... And enjoy this (pre-covid) #throwback to 2016 when the Library transformed into a Melbourne Music Week Hub.

09.01.2022 Lockdown afternoons call for an extra decadent afternoon tea spread. How long has it been since you tea partied? If you're looking to grow your (virtual) afternoon tea party guestlist, look no further than Astrid Edwards (host of our Afternoon Tea & Talk series) and an all star cast of Australian authors:... Sophie Cunningham: https://bit.ly/37hMykp Trent Dalton: https://bit.ly/3b4wmUS Tara June Winch: https://bit.ly/2ZmIKdj Maxine Beneba Clarke: https://bit.ly/2N8IZ9v Kate Mildenhall: https://bit.ly/3dbCL3k Dr Rebecca Huntley: https://bit.ly/3jTQyN3 Plus, pencil in Feb 24 for our next episode of Afternoon Tea & Talk. Astrid will be chatting with Sarah Firth and Andy Jackson, contributors to newly released Growing Up Disabled in Australia. https://bit.ly/3tBODkV A.I.F. Women's Association members having afternoon tea with their sons, H99.201/3627, https://bit.ly/2Npw9n3.

07.01.2022 As people, we all have the capacity to be futurists. When we make decisions, we are often making them on behalf of generations to come. - Bridgette Engeler In the latest episode of The future of ..., Santilla Chingaipe and Bridgette Engeler explore how we can think about a better distant future and how we can create it. Find it here: https://bit.ly/2Jca2Pf

07.01.2022 Episode five: harmony In the latest Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria podcast, Susan shares the healing power of literature to explore the concept of harmony in the home. This episode features two readings:... William Blake 'A poison tree', Songs of Experience, 1794 Liliane Grace 'The exalted rhythm', Untitled, issue three, Busybird Publishing & Design, 2010 Listen: slv.vic.gov.au/bibliotherapy

06.01.2022 Good news! The number of visitors we can safely welcome inside the Library has increased The booking system has been updated and we're ready to welcome you with open arms (from 1.5 metres away) Daily opening hours are in two sessions: ... 10.00am-1.30pm Closed for cleaning 2.30pm - 6.00pm Book your visit here: slv.vic.gov.au/partial-reopening/ David Caird

05.01.2022 Don't miss tonight's powerful talk by award-winning journalist Erik Jensen. Experience a stirring lecture on anger, journalism and the politics of empathy, as Erik shares how a photograph of asylum seeker Hamed Shamshiripour reframed his view of what journalism is for. 6.00pm... Book now: slv.vic.gov.au/w/2020-stephen-murray-smith-memorial-lecture

04.01.2022 Need a little retail therapy? Melbourne and shopping have been hand in glove since the 1880s, and at its peak, the city flaunted more than a dozen department stores. In the lead-up to the holiday shopping season, we take you back to the golden era of Melbourne retail to hear about the rise and fall of department store empires such as Foy and Gibson, Manton's, and George's.... Discover more about Melbourne's shopping culture through our collection here: slv.vic.gov.au/stories/from-the-vault-department-stores

03.01.2022 Remembrance Day, 2020. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Today, we honour the memory of homecoming, reunion and sacrifice by pausing for a minute’s silence at 11am.... Commemorate from home via the livestream presented by the Shrine of Remembrance at 10.45am: https://bit.ly/3p9HeHr Shrine of Remembrance, Victorian Railways, photographer, ca. 1945-ca. 1954, H91.50/144.

01.01.2022 Let's take a look back at the power posters and progressive politics of the pre-internet era! Pre-1999, Victoria's poster collectives were a shining light of grassroots art and activism giving a voice to the local population. Two Melbourne collectives, the Red Letter Community Workshop and Another Planet Posters, had a strong impact with their work through the late 1970s and 1980s, combining to become RedPlanet Press in 1992.... Before being forced to close in 1999 due to a lack of funding, the organisation produced a collection of hard-hitting, satirical and intelligent political posters capturing the radicalising voice of the community at the time. Read more about the Library's RedPlanet archive here: slv.vic.gov.au/from-the-vault-redplanet.

01.01.2022 Today is World Post Day! It's also the perfect opportunity to say a huge thank you to our posties who are working tirelessly to deliver our letters and parcels from (a little too much) online shopping! Eve Pryor Collection of Comic Postcards ca. 1900-1920, H97.248/14