Home > Stories

Stories

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

A woman feeds a man a cracker as they play records on a turntable
14 August 2020

Collective Isolation Project, week 17: Electric dreams

During lockdown, we've come to depend on technology – tell us about the technology that you're most grateful for right now.
Fingers scroll through index cards in an old-fashioned library card catalogue
13 August 2020

The card catalogue

Follow Kate Torney down to the Library catacombs to marvel at the beauty and ingenuity of our old card catalogue – the Google of the 1800s!
Policy Pitch August 2020
12 August 2020

The Policy Pitch: Female workforce participation

Hear a panel discussion on the changes in workplaces, families and government policies that would help expand choices for Australian women.
Signposts with Alexis Wright
12 August 2020

Signposts: stories for our fragile times

Join award-winning novelist Alexis Wright in conversation with some of Australia's leading writers as they explore the power of creativity, literature and imagination in times of crisis.
A young woman looks fondly at the dog she's holding
07 August 2020

Collective Isolation Project, week 16: Furry companions

Our devoted pets have always been there for us 24/7 – share your pet pictures and tell us how has your relationship with your pet(s) has changed during lockdown.
Nat Amoore book cover
07 August 2020

Nat Amoore Story Talks

Get your creative juices flowing with these bite-sized videos featuring Nat Amoore, author of 'The power of positive pranking'.
Portraits of five authors
07 August 2020

Five top tips for Melbourne Writers Festival 2020

Melbourne Writers Festival Associate Director Gene Smith shares his MWF 2020 top five, handpicked for State Library Victoria.
A woman in a black outfit stands on an ornate, white balcony indoors
05 August 2020

The dome balconies

Join Kate Torney for an insight into the narrow, book-laden balconies that perch on the perimeter walls of the majestic domed La Trobe Reading Room.

A mannequin on display wears a majestic cloak and a striking headdress
03 August 2020

Power dressing: the story behind Jessie Brookes' 1934 outfit

Hear 'Velvet, Iron, Ashes' curator Carolyn Fraser tell the story behind this remarkable costume and its statement headpiece.
Pencil sketch of a woman laying down reading
31 July 2020

Collective Isolation Project, week 15: Lockdown content

Whether your preferred content amplifies the outside world or diverts you from it, we'd love to hear about what you're reading, listening to and watching.
A woman in black clothes with city skyscrapers in the background
29 July 2020

The roof

Join Kate Torney as she ascends beyond the 'Keep out' signs to an area rarely visited – high on the roof.
27 July 2020

The critical connection between Ned Kelly, The Ashes & Janet Lady Clarke

Lead curator Carolyn Fraser shows how one influential woman, Janet Lady Clarke, is the critical thread that connects Ned Kelly's armour and cricket's contested Ashes.