May 2009 – 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.

Exhibitions

The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria

Turn the pages of Victoria's literary history, from the first stories to the contemporary scene. This free exhibition celebrates our rich and diverse written culture, highlighting the stories, the voices and the spirit of independence that have made Victoria's literature unique.
Time: Until 25 October, 10am–5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays)
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Free

The changing face of Victoria

Revisit Victoria's early years, see Ned Kelly's armour and discover Melbourne stories in this fascinating exhibition.
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.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Dome Galleries, Level 4  
Free

The Cowen Gallery

View works from the Library's Pictures Collection, ranging from early scenes of Melbourne to contemporary portraits.
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

The Cross and the Matrix

A display of evocative works by Melbourne artist Bruno Leti, produced as a result of his Creative Fellowship at the State Library. They include paintings, photographs, prints and an artist’s book, Journal of a Cross.
Time: Until 9 August, daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

A Panorama of Melbourne

This 12-metre panorama by artist Juan Davila was conceived while he was an Honorary Creative Fellow at the State Library. It traces the evolution of Melbourne's built environment, from early Indigenous homes through to a futuristic vision.
Time: Until 9 August, daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

The Independent Type: Events & activities

The Independent Type tour

Explore the exhibition and discover the stories and the voices of Victoria's rich and diverse written culture.
Time: Tues, Thurs & Sun, 1–1.30pm (except Sun 31 May)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups (03 8664 7099)
Free

Literary landscapes

Move through landscapes vividly depicted in Victorian literature, from the eeriness of Hanging Rock on a summer's day to the colourful streets of pre-gentrified Fitzroy and Richmond. Jane Sullivan, literary journalist at The Age, leads a lively panel including Alice Pung, author of Unpolished Gem, to discuss the significance of place in our stories.
Time: Thurs 7 May, 6–7pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Hot ink: Radicals and rascals

Victorian writers have always pushed the boundaries – political, social and artistic. Join Rod Quantock for a storm of discussion about literary scandals and hoaxes, with a provocative panel including Radical Melbourne co-author Jill Sparrow, crikey.com founder Stephen Mayne, columnist Catherine Deveny and Des Cowley, the State Library's Rare Printed Collections Manager.
Time: Thurs 21 May, 6–7pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Lectures, talks & forums

The Web 2.0 world: Forum

The user-generated environment on the web is huge, and blogs, wikis, Twitter and YouTube are part of our common language. So what's next? This forum will examine the use of web 2.0 technologies to find, engage and collaborate with users. Hear from an expert panel including Simon Goodrich, General Manager, and Andrew Apostola, Creative Director, Portable Content; and Georgia Webster, General Manager, SYN.
Time: Tues 5 May, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Libraries, learning and development in Timor-Leste: An evening with Kirsty Sword Gusmão and Steve Bracks

Kirsty Sword Gusmão, Goodwill Ambassador for Education in Timor-Leste and Chairwoman of the ALOLA Foundation, will talk about the critical role of libraries in the development of Timor-Leste and their contribution to community development and education. The Hon. Steve Bracks, Special Adviser to Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, will describe his work and share his observations on the country's ongoing development needs. Proceeds from this event will go to Library Books for Timor-Leste.
Time: Mon 11 May, 6.30-8pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings & inquiries: 03 5241 6151, patti.manolis@geelonglibraries.vic.gov.au or use this downloadable PDF booking form
Cost: $25

Today's kids, tomorrow's school

Schools, teachers and students have been experimenting with learning styles and adapting technology to education for many years. Understanding how children prefer to learn, in contrast to how they need to learn, has become a point of difference in school education. What impact are new approaches to education having on students and their future? Interact with panellists Adam Smith, CEO, Foundation for Young Australians; Aine Maher, Director Teaching and Learning, Association of Independent Schools of Victoria; and Linda Mitchell, Curriculum Coordinator, Australian Technical College, Sunshine.
Time: Tues 19 May, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The energy to change: A Sustainable Cities Round Table

This Sustainable Cities Round Table will examine renewable energy types and their distribution, and focus on how we can mitigate energy losses and increase uptake of more sustainable energy systems.
Time: Wed 20 May, 6–8pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: rsvp@sustainablemelbourne.com
Free

Newspapers as medium and message: A key to Australian historical research

Rod Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth Morrison, Eleanor Pugsley, Wallace Kirsop and staff of the State Library of Victoria and the National Library of Australia will examine ways to obtain historical information from newspapers. They will reflect on major newspaper digitising projects, and on opportunities for using advances in conservation, management and accessibility of newspapers to study the evolution of the press in Australia since 1803. Presented by the State Library User Organisation's Council with the support of the State Library of Victoria.
Time: Sat 23 May, 1–5.30pm
Venue: Conference Centre (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: centre.forthe.book@arts.monash.edu.au
Free

Library and information careers

Did you know that there are many potential career choices in libraries? Designing, developing, training, researching, marketing, programming and exhibition planning are just some of the roles you can play. This session during Library Information Week will showcase the qualifications and courses on offer, with representatives from many career paths. Presented in association with the Australian Library & Information Association.
Time: Tues 26 May, 5.30–7pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Hypothetical: So you want to be a YA writer?

Is there a young-adult novel burning a hole in your bottom drawer? Learn the secrets of the publishing world and banish the myths. Like all good YA fiction, this discussion will entertain, challenge and enlighten. Featuring authors James Roy, Alison Goodman and Bernard Beckett, plus Erica Wagner (Allen & Unwin), Kristin Gill (Penguin Books), Dmetri Kakmi (Penguin Books), Leesa Lambert (The Little Bookroom), Ray Turton (Magpies magazine) and Kate Marquard (University High School). Presented by the Centre for Youth Literature.
Time: Thurs 28 May, 7–8.30pm
Venue: Storey Hall, RMIT, Swanston Street
Bookings: 03 8664 7099 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $15 (free to CYL Booktalkers subscribers)

Tours & activities

In addition to the scheduled tours listed, the Library can provide customised tours for groups, covering various Library spaces, exhibitions and collections. For details, call 03 8664 7279.

Dome Galleries tour

Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and highlights of the exhibitions Mirror of the World: books and ideas and The changing face of Victoria.
Time: Mon–Fri, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups: 03 8664 7099
Free

Ned Kelly's laptop (tour)

What would Ned Kelly have achieved if he'd had a laptop? Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Ned Kelly. See Ned's armour, amazing photographs, original documents and artefacts.
Time: Tues & Thurs, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups: 03 8664 7099
Free

Music and dance on film: Margot, Rudolf and Lucrezia

Enjoy free screenings of classic music and dance performances. On 6 May, Fonteyn and Nureyev: The Perfect Partnership is a tribute to the legendary ballet partnership of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. It includes archival footage from Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet and more. On 20 May, Dame Joan Sutherland and tenor Alfredo Kraus star in a historic performance of Donizetti's magnificent opera Lucrezia Borgia at Covent Garden, conducted by Richard Bonynge.
Time: Wed 6 & 20 May, 12–2pm approx
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required
Free

The Bedside Books Club

What are the books on your bedside table – books you've loved, books you can't wait to read, and ones begging to be finished? Share them with other book lovers at the Library's quarterly book club. Bring a great book to share, and meet our special guest author and reader.
Time: Tues 12 May, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Mr Tulk Cafe (La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Outside-In Cinema: Rash and Kiki

See contemporary documentaries and animation on the big screen in Experimedia. BYO snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic). On 13 May, Rash (M, 2005, 73 min) features interviews with some of Melbourne’s most talented graffiti and street artists. On 27 May, Kiki’s Delivery Service (G, 1989, 103 min) is the story of a young witch who leaves home to follow her dream.
Time: Wed 13 & 27 May, 6.30–8pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Phone 03 8664 7099, email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au, or book online for Rash or Kiki's Delivery Service
Free

Kids at the Library

Make a card for Mother’s Day

Show Mum, or another special person, how much you love them – make a card for Mother's Day, featuring your own message, pictures and decoration.
Time: Mon 4–Sun 10 May, daily during Library hours
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Sparky Stories: Digital workshop

Free Sunday fun for kids aged 6 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: Sun 10 & 24 May, 10am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Phone 03 8664 7099, email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au or book online for 10 May or 24 May.
Free

Super-action storytelling

With storyteller Bernard Caleo, children will discover the Library’s galleries and the amazing stories they tell, then make a creative record of their experience. (For ages 6 to 12.)
Time: Sun 17 May, 11am–12.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

National Simultaneous Storytime: Pete the Sheep

Join in the fun as Pete the Sheep (by Jackie French, with illustrations by Bruce Whatley) is read simultaneously at libraries and schools across Australia! Followed by an art-and-craft activity.
Time: Wed 27 May, 11am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Play Pod: Fun for kids

The Play Pod is a colourful and kid-friendly space in Experimedia. Get comfy and dip into popular 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