Stories

02 December 2024

Meet Kate Crawford: the researcher using art to demystify AI

Professor Kate Crawford has built a career studying the social and political implications of AI – while also breaking new ground in creative approaches to the subject.

11 November 2024

Building Victoria's Shrine of Remembrance

On its 90th anniversary, we take a look back at the Shrine of Remembrance's history, development and ongoing role preserving stories of sacrifice, service and remembrance for future generations.

28 October 2024

Meet State Library Victoria’s inaugural patron

The Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, recently accepted the role of State Library Victoria’s inaugural Patron. Get to know her here.

23 October 2024

2024 Stephen Murray-Smith Memorial Lecture: Joanna Murray-Smith

Internationally acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and novelist Joanna Murray-Smith examines the personal act of creation for the 2024 Stephen Murray-Smith Memorial Lecture.

21 October 2024

The 1911 manifesto that shaped feminism in Japan

Discover the Japanese literary journal that became a cultural catalyst and the woman whose words inspired a generation.

30 September 2024

To Elizabeth from Nathalie: decoding a 19th century love poem

What can a love poem from 1857 tell us about the way women lived, formed relationships and communicated with each other in the past?

18 September 2024

Behind the scenes with the conservators

With unique collection material on display, the World of the Book exhibition requires special attention from the Library’s conservation team.

27 August 2024

Letting the past speak: how to write a compelling family history

What makes a compelling family history? For historian Graeme Davison it’s not just finding the right sources – it’s how you use them.

Image of Tracie D Hall standing amongst bookshelves in a library

11 December 2023

Dangerous Ideas: The Right to Read Freely

Tracie D Hall, former executive director of the American Libraries Association and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023, delivers the inaugural For Future Reference lecture.

Installation view of Luminous: A thousand years of Hebrew manuscripts at State Library Victoria. View of a gallery section with cobalt blue walls and text in white and gold about the power of letters and words. There are three glass cases with rare books and manuscripts down a corridor and framed works on the walls.

18 October 2023

Introducing Luminous: A thousand years of Hebrew manuscripts

Paul Forgasz, Cultural Consultant for our Luminous exhibition, discusses its themes and highlights.

Image of a Hebrew manuscript from the Hailperin Collection on display.

06 October 2023

The David Hailperin Collection

Learn more about David Hailperin and the collection of manuscripts and early printed Jewish books internationally recognised for its significance.

The spines of hardcover books of various heights and sizes sit on a shelf

11 September 2023

Restricted books

We lift the curtain on books that were once kept hidden, because of their apparently dangerous and controversial ideas.