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World of the Book / Free exhibition, open daily
03 July 2026
The wonders of the World of the Book exhibition
Travel through the Library and unearth what will be on display in 2026's chapter of World of the Book.
10 June 2026
Matt Okine kicks off something extraordinary
Comedian Matt Okine explores the Library’s extraordinary football archives.
22 May 2026
Marvellous Melbourne: William Butterfield's final masterpiece
Dive into the Library's largest ever conservation project: William Butterfield’s original architectural drawings of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Photograph of Amos Roach
15 May 2026
Rebel Heart: Amos Roach on his parents Archie and Ruby and their legacy of love
Award-winning musician, dancer and director Amos Roach shares the story of his parents Archie and Ruby through music.
Photograph of musician Mo'Ju
08 May 2026
Rebel Heart: Mo’Ju on culture, community and belonging
Multidisciplinary artist Mo’Ju finds inspiration for a song in a letter to Minister for Immigration Harold Holt written in 1950.
Mindy Meng Wang playing guzheng at State Library Victoria
24 March 2026
Rebel Heart: Mindy Meng Wang’s soundtrack to an unsent love letter
Guzheng player Mindy Meng Wang discusses the process behind composing ‘Unsent Letter’, inspired by a love letter found hidden behind a painting in the Library.
11 March 2026
Alita Brydon on why bad dates make for amazing stories
Get to know Alita Brydon, creator of Bad Dates of Melbourne, as she prepares to host upcoming night of comedy and commiseration This Is Why I’m Single at State Library Victoria.
A portrait of Angie McMahon
16 February 2026
Rebel Heart: behind the scenes with Angie McMahon
Australian singer-songwriter Angie McMahon on the extraordinary love story of Anne Drysdale and Caroline Newcomb and her original song inspired by their bond.
Lithograph showing facade of Melbourne's Public Library c.1858, featuring Joseph Reed's design for the whole facade with the two corner pavilions.
11 February 2026
Celebrating 170 years
The Library’s foundation stones were set in July 1854 and the doors opened in February 1856. We look back on 170 years.
05 January 2026
Resources for new and emerging writers
Discover a wide range of learning, publishing and development opportunities, as well as prizes and fellowships, for young writers.
Black and white photograph of author Peter Carey working on a laptop in his study, which feature floor-to-ceiling bookshelves spanning one wall.
23 December 2025
In Conversation with Peter Carey
Direct from New York, Peter Carey joins host Michael Williams for an exclusive online interview about his creative practice.
16 December 2025
2025 Foxcroft Lecture: Professor Peter Kornicki
Professor Peter Kornicki takes us on a journey through Japan’s printing history for the 2025 Foxcroft Lecture.

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