Programs & Events
Catalogues & DatabasesCollectionsServicesPrograms & EventsAbout UsOnline Shop
 
 

September 2008 - Exhibitions & Events

The Library manages bookings for its free events and programs using an online events management service. The information you provide to register will be stored on servers located in the United States. Find out more about the terms and conditions of this service.

Make a booking for one of our free events >

Exhibitions

 

Sport and War

This inspiring free exhibition from the Australian War Memorial explores how sport and war have helped to define what it means to be Australian. Discover remarkable stories of courage and achievement on the nation’s battlefields and sporting fields and see unique images and objects on display – from original posters and photographs to a ‘Brownlow’ medal presented in Changi POW camp.
Time: Until 26 October, 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 Written Word of BA Santamaria

A temporary display of material, including manuscripts and photographs, from the BA Santamaria Collection, which documents the working life of political activist and social commentator Bob Santamaria (1915–98). The collection was presented to the Library by the Santamaria family and the BA Santamaria Foundation in 2004.
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

Sport and War: Events & Activities

The following programs complement the Library’s free exhibition Sport and War.

Sport and War: Guided tour

Take a free, half-hour guided tour for an overview of the exhibition’s highlights.
Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–1.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; 03 8664 7279)
Free

Grand Final fever at the Library

Watch the big men fly on the big screen in Experimedia. Don’t forget your scarf and beanie!
Time: Sat 27 September, from 2pm
Venue: Experimedia, State Library
Bookings: Not required
Free

Chess for kids

Test your skills in the original game of sport and war, using the large-scale chess sets in the Play Pod.
Time: Until 26 October, 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Other Events

 

Animalia: From book to screen

Graeme Base's phenomenally successful book Animalia (1986) has sold over 3 million copies around the world. But how do you adapt a beautifully illustrated, English-language alphabet book into a children's television series that will reach an international audience? Producer Ewan Burnett will detail the thrills and challenges of taking Animalia from book to screen. Presented in association with the Australian Library & Information Association. Inquiries: 03 8664 7113.
Time: Tues 2 September, 9–10am
Venue: Meet at front entrance, 8.55am
Bookings: Not required
Free

Magic @ the Library

Dominique Dunstan, a librarian in the Arts team, will introduce the fascinating Alma Magic Collection of magic memorabilia, including posters, books, magic props and apparatus, and all the intrigue and trickery that comes with it!
Time: Tues 2 September, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Doing the Block: Fashionable Melbourne

In the 19th century, fashionable Melburnians could be seen ‘doing the Block’ on Collins Street. Where do local fashionistas strut their stuff today, and does Collins Street still rate? Join journalist and broadcaster Jill Singer for a lively conversation during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, with Christine Barro, owner of Christine, Lee Tulloch, author and fashion and beauty commentator, and Georgina Weir, proprietor of Le Louvre.
Time: Wed 3 September, 2–3pm
Venue: To be advised
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Unlocking the medieval imagination: Living history and public culture

The State Library’s recent exhibition The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand drew capacity audiences and created links with medieval music, art and re-enactment groups and the universities. Shane Carmody, the Library’s Director of Collections and Access, and Professor Constant Mews, Director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology at Monash University, will reflect on the public nature of the history celebrated through the exhibition.
Time: Thurs 4 September, 5.30–7pm
Venue: Seminar Room 1 (Entry 3, Latrobe Street)
Bookings: Not required
Free

We-Think: A lecture by Charles Leadbeater

Hear UK ideas-generator Charles Leadbeater’s ideas on how the web creates opportunities for mass creativity and online collaboration, fostering innovation and opening up new education practices. The talk reflects the theme of his recent book We-Think: The Power of Mass Creativity (2008). This will be Charles Leadbeater’s only public lecture during his visit to Melbourne. Book early, as seats are limited.
Time: Wed 17 September, 1.30–2.45pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or slvleadbeater.eventbrite.com
Free

ID: The Quest for Identity - Susan Greenfield

Professor Susan Greenfield is a world-leading expert on the human brain and Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Her latest book is ID: The Quest for Identity in the 21st Century. Hear her thought-provoking ideas on human nature, identity and individuality in an era of rapid change and new technologies.
Time: Thurs 18 September, 12.30-1.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Tours & 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

Ned Kelly’s laptop

Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Ned Kelly. See Ned’s armour, original photographs and documents, and even the laptop on which Peter Carey wrote The True History of the Kelly Gang.
Time: Tuesdays, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; call 03 8664 7279)
Free

Digital storytelling for seniors

Capture your memories on film to share with your family and friends! No technical skills are required for this fun, free workshop – simply bring along some photos and other special objects, and take your story home on DVD.
Time: Mon 1 September, 10am–3pm (with half-hour lunch break)
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Music and dance on film: La Stupenda and La Fille

Enjoy free afternoon screenings of classic music and dance: the documentary La Stupenda: A portrait of Dame Joan Sutherland (on 3 September), and the ballet La Fille Mal Gardee, with music by Ferdinand Harold and choreography by Frederick Ashton (on 17 September). Seating is limited, so come early.
Time: Wed 3 & 17 September, 12–1.30pm approx
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; 03 8664 7194)
Free

Outside-In Cinema: Dig! and Joy Division

Contemporary music and dance documentaries on the big screen in Experimedia. On September 3, see Dig! (105 mins), featuring the Dandy Warhols and the Brian Jonestown Massacre. On September 17, don’t miss Joy Division (74 mins), the definitive documentary about this influential and timeless band. BYO food and non-alcoholic drinks. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: Wed 3 & 17 September, 6.30pm (to 8pm approx)
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Children’s Activities

 

Make a card for Father’s Day

Show Dad (or another special person) how much you love him – make a card for Father’s Day, featuring your own message, pictures and decoration.
Time: Mon 1–Sun 7 September, 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; call 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au)
Free

Sparky Stories: Digital workshop

Free Sunday fun for kids aged 5 to 12! Inspired by illustrated books from the Library’s collection, each child will create a digital picture-book, complete with illustrations and their own narration.
Time: Sundays, 10am–12noon (except 28 Sept)
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au (places are limited)
Free

Play Pod: Fun for kids

The Play Pod is a colourful and kid-friendly space in Experimedia. Get comfy and dip into your favourite picture-books, view children’s digital art, or borrow an activity pack and 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

September–October School Holiday Program

 

Ned Kelly’s laptop: Family tour

Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Ned Kelly. See Ned’s original armour, plus photographs and records from the time, and even the laptop on which Peter Carey wrote The True History of the Kelly Gang. Followed by an optional half-hour children’s activity, making a replica of Ned’s helmet (for ages 5 to 12).
Time: Tues 23, Thurs 25 & Tues 30 September, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; 03 8664 7279)
Free

Super-action storytelling!

Children can hear exciting tales of the Trojan War and Gallipoli, followed by a fun workshop creating digital picture-books using their own illustrations and narration! Parents must accompany children. (For ages 5 to 12.)
Time: Sun 28 September, 10.30am–2pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Sporting heroes

Kick the winning goal or hit the ball for six! Inspired by the exhibition Sport and War, and using stop-motion animation and their own illustrations, children can create sensational sporting stories to take home on DVD. (For ages 7 to 13.)
Time: Mon 29 Sept–Fri 3 Oct, 10.30am–4pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $40

 
need answers? ask us!