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Stories

Discover curiosities, treasures and the latest inspiring stories from our community and inside the Library

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.
15 August 2023

In conversation with the MIRROR exhibition curators

The curators of MIRROR: New views on photography discuss the process involved in bringing the immersive experience to life.
Author Clea Chiller smiling at the camera wearing purple, dangly earring and a black top.
31 July 2023

Comics with Clea Chiller: Teen Writing Bootcamp

Artist and illustrator Clea Chiller explores the fundamentals of writing and drawing comics.
19 July 2023

Jason Tamiru on exploring light and shade with 'Muluna Express'

Yorta Yorta man Jason Tamiru discusses his recent work, featured in MIRROR: New views on photography.
Books in the John Emmerson Collection
06 July 2023

Rare Book Club: introducing the John Emmerson Collection

Welcome to the Rare Book Club, where we explore, inspect and marvel at some of the most unique and extraordinary rare books in the Library’s collection.
Author Flora Chol wearing a yellow top and colourful earrings.
22 June 2023

Poetry with Flora Chol: Teen Writing Bootcamp

Writer, poet and community activist Flora Chol shares learnings from her poetry Teen Writing Bootcamp workshops.