May 2008 - Exhibitions & Events

Exhibitions

The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand

Discover the rich beauty of medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts at this spectacular free exhibition, featuring treasures from the collections of Cambridge University and from Australian and New Zealand collections.
Time: Until 15 June, 10am–5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays)
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Free

The changing face of Victoria

This fascinating exhibition highlights the people, places and events that have shaped life in Victoria over 200 years. Revisit Victoria's early years, see Ned Kelly’s armour and discover Melbourne stories and personalities.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Dome Galleries, Level 5
Free

Mirror of the World: books and ideas

This magnificent exhibition showcases rare, beautiful and historically significant books from the Library’s collections. See treasures such as Audubon’s magnificent Birds of America, classic children’s books and 1950s pulp crime fiction.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Dome Galleries, Level 4
Free

The Cowen Gallery

The elegant Cowen Gallery features a display of 150 works of art from the Library’s Pictures Collection, from early scenes of Melbourne to contemporary portraits.
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

The Medieval Imagination: Events & Activities

The following programs complement the Library’s free exhibition The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand.

Exhibition introduction

A free half-hour introduction to the exhibition, giving an overview of themes and highlights.
Time: Tues & Fri 1–1.30pm; Thurs 1–1.30pm & 5–5.30pm; Sun 2–2.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; 03 8664 7279)
Free

Free audio tour

For an expert commentary on the exhibition by curator Margaret Manion, download the audio tour to your mp3 player (or borrow a player from the Library’s front foyer desk).

Life in the Middle Ages: Free talks

What was it like to live in medieval times? Join three medieval experts to learn about love and beauty, heresy and punishment in the Middle Ages.

The love of beauty and the beauty of love: How medieval philosophy can save the modern world

Associate Professor John Armstrong (University of Melbourne) will discuss two great themes of medieval thought: the creation of material beauty, which was thought to aid the appreciation of spiritual beauty; and the cultivation of romantic love, with its ideals of devotion, delicacy and sacrifice. What important messages do they hold for modern life?
Time: Thursday 1 May, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or booking@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Creation and regulation in the 12th century: New ideas and the naming of the heresy

The 12th-century proto-universities were hothouses of creative theology (Abelard comes to mind), yet the schoolmen’s redefinition of orthodoxy contributed to the rise of a more centralised, and perhaps persecutory, papacy. Dr Clare Monagle (Monash University) will explore this tale of tension between intellectual innovation and social control.
Time: Thursday 8 May, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or booking@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Medieval prisons: Frightful abodes of misery

Dr Megan Cassidy-Welch (University of Melbourne) will delve into the murky world of medieval prisons – from castle dungeons to royal lock-ups – to examine both the idea and the reality of life in what one commentator described as ‘frightful abodes of misery’.
Time: Thursday 15 May, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or booking@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The making of a medieval manuscript: Free talk

In order to better understand the workings of a medieval scriptorium, Professor Bernard Muir (Medieval Studies, University of Melbourne) assembled a team of specialists to work on two projects, ‘The Making of a Medieval Manuscript’ (40-minute DVD, available from evellum.com) and ‘Scriptorium: The tools of the trade’ (due in 2009). In this talk, he discusses the work of medieval artisans and will display the ‘medieval’ manuscript that was an outcome of the projects.
Time: Thursday 22 May, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or booking@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Openings: Free talk

From the origins of the codex as a medium in late antiquity, the confrontation of verso and recto provided the visual field within which scribes and illuminators had to operate. Professor Jeffrey Hamburger (Harvard University, USA) will explore the complex semantics and literally revelatory possibilities of this new medium in the medieval millennium. (This lecture is the opening keynote address of the conference Imagination, Books and Community in Medieval Europe, described below, and is also open to the public.)
Time: Thurs 29 May, 7-8pm
Venue: Please note: the venue for this event has changed to Storey Hall, RMIT, 342 Swanston St
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Imagination, books and community in Medieval Europe: Conference 

This international conference will feature the following keynote speakers: Alexandra Barratt (University of Waikato, New Zealand), Jeffrey Hamburger (Harvard University, USA), Margaret Manion AO (University of Melbourne) and James Marrow (Princeton University, USA). Papers will cover music and liturgy, devotion and saints, art and imagination, focusing on manuscripts from throughout Europe and the rich stories they tell. For details, visit slv.vic.gov.au/goto/medieval.
Time: Thurs 29–Sat 31 May
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Registration inquiries: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: Full registration $120; discount $100; students $80

Other Events & Activities

Dome Galleries tour

Visit four levels of the great dome, including the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and highlights of the exhibitions The changing face of Victoria and Mirror of the World: books and ideas.
Time: Mon–Fri, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; call 03 8664 7279)
Free

Meet author Neil Gaiman

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman, author of the Sandman series of graphic novels, the New York Times bestselling children's book Coraline and picture-books The Wolves in the Walls and The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish (illustrated by Dave McKean), as well as award-winning books for adults. Neil will talk about his work, then answer audience members’ questions and sign books. Presented by the Centre for Youth Literature.
Time: Mon 5 May, 1–2pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The Future Australian Race

In this Commonplace Theatre production, Ned Kelly’s hanging judge Redmond Barry takes on Marcus Clarke, the bohemian author of For the Term of His Natural Life. Two cultural giants of early Melbourne face off among the books, from opposite sides of a divide that still haunts Australia. Don’t miss this unique and humorous production, written by Sue Gore and Bill Garner, directed by Peter Houghton and featuring Jim Daly and Luke Ryan.
Time: 5–24 May, Mon & Tues 6.30pm; Wed–Sat 7.30pm; matinees Thurs 1pm & Sat 2pm
Venue: Queen’s Hall
Bookings: 03 9534 5984 or complays@bigpond.com
Cost: $30/$25 concession/State Library Foundation members

The challenging classroom

iPods, interactive whiteboards, mobile devices, tablet computers, intranets – are they gimmicks or useful learning tools? Three speakers from Trinity Grammar School, Kew, will reflect on how they are facing the challenges of an interactive world. Simon Le Plastrier, Deputy Head, will demonstrate how he uses interactive tools in a subject called ‘Beginner’s Guide to Ideas’. Rob Flavell, Head of the ICT program, will reflect on the school’s approach to ICT. Stuart Deane, Director of Learn IT and ICT Staff Trainer, will demonstrate other exciting ICT options and reflect on where the technology may be heading. Presented in association with the Australian Library & Information Association.
Time: Tues 6 May, 9–10am
Venue: Meet at front entrance, 8.55am
Bookings: Not required (inquiries 03 8664 7113)
Free

Outside-In Cinema: Midnight Oil – best of both worlds

Outside-In Cinema presents contemporary music and dance documentaries on the big screen in Experimedia. In Oils on the Water (1985), Midnight Oil plays on Goat Island, Sydney Harbour, delivering an electrifying set including ‘Short Memory’, ‘US Forces’ and ‘Power and the Passion’. Also screening: Saturday Night at the Capitol (1982). BYO rug and picnic dinner, if you like; drinks are available at the bar. (Minors must be accompanied by an adult.)
Time: Wed 14 May, 6.30–8.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Musical Wednesdays: Lucrezia and Spartacus

These relaxed Wednesday afternoon sessions feature free screenings of great music and dance performances on video. A must for music fans! Seating is limited, so come early. On 14 May, enjoy Lucrezia Borgia, an opera in four acts by Donizetti. On 28 May, see Spartacus, a ballet in four acts with music by Aram Khachaturian.
Time: Wed 14 & Wed 28 May, 12–2.30pm
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; call 03 8664 7194)
Free

Outside-In Cinema: A Weekend in the Country

Outside-In Cinema presents contemporary music and dance documentaries on the big screen in Experimedia. This film tells the story of the annual Meredith Music Festival (1991–2005), which has grown from a small party in rural Victoria into one of the most beloved and unique music festivals in the world. BYO rug and picnic dinner, if you like; drinks are available at the bar. (Minors must be accompanied by an adult.)
Time: Wed 28 May, 6.30–8pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Libraries are for everyone!: Library & Information Week 2008 at the State Library

Libraries in East Timor: Rebuilding a nation’s knowledge: A free public lecture by Patti Manolis, CEO, Geelong Regional Library Corporation

In 2003 Patti Manolis was awarded the Margery C Ramsay Scholarship, which enabled her to undertake a study tour of libraries in East Timor, including university, school and community libraries. Patti will discuss the challenges faced by libraries in East Timor attempting to rebuild the knowledge and history of a war-torn country. East Timor faces significant hardships in literacy and learning, but Patti was inspired by the discovery of a great number and range of library services being delivered in the capital, Dili, as well as in very remote districts.
Presented by the State Library of Victoria and the Australian Library and Information Association.
Time: Wednesday 21 May, 6.30-7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Behind the scenes at the State Library: Free tour

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to discover the internal workings of the State Library, one of our city’s oldest cultural institutions and the state’s premier reference and research library. View collection storage areas, learn how collection items are digitised for online use, and observe the busy delivery and dispatch area.
Time: Tuesday 20 May & Friday 23 May, 10.30-11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Programs for Seniors

Movie-making for seniors

Learn new skills and star in your own mini-movie! Bring along your photos and other special objects and tell your story on film, then take it home on DVD.
Time: Mon 5 May, 10am–3pm (with half-hour lunch break)
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Blogging for seniors

It’s never too late to discover new technology! Learn how you can communicate online through a blog (web log), an online journal on any topic. It’s a great way to share your interests and experiences with others.
Time: Tues 27 May, 11am–12noon
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Children’s Activities

Make a Mother's Day card

Show your appreciation for the best mum in the world by making a special card for Mother’s Day. Just ask for the card-making materials in the Play Pod.
Time: Mon 5–Sun 11 May, 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Storytime: Reading together around Australia

A very special storytime for children. Join in National Simultaneous Storytime, when a highly acclaimed picture-book will be read simultaneously at libraries and schools across Australia! Followed by an art-and-craft activity.
Time: Wed 21 May, 11am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Your medieval portrait

Inspired by the exhibition The Medieval Imagination, you can become a medieval knight or lady! Select a costume, then pose for your photo in front of our castle, and take your portrait home.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Make a medieval crown or shield

For more medieval fun, younger children can borrow an activity box and follow simple instructions to make their own royal crown, lady’s veil or knight’s shield to take home.
Time: From 7 April, 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia, State Library
Bookings: Not required
Free

Sparky Stories: Digital workshop for kids

Free Sunday fun for kids aged 5 to 12! Each child will create a digital picture-book, complete with illustrations, to take home on DVD. (Limited to seven children per workshop; children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Time: Sundays, 10am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Play Pod: Fun for kids

The Play Pod is a colourful and kid-friendly space in Experimedia, especially for families with young children. Get comfy and dip into your favourite picture-books, view a children’s digital art display, or borrow an activity pack and follow simple instructions to make your own book, or a replica of Ned Kelly’s helmet! (Young children should be supervised by an adult.)
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free