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Stories

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

Black and white photo of a woman looking through binoculars
24 February 2021

Artist in conversation: Hayley Millar-Baker

Learn more abut Hayley's series I Will Survive, which is being displayed in an outdoor exhibition on the Library forecourt.

From the vault plastic
18 February 2021

RedPlanet Press and the politics of poster making

This episode of From the Vault explores Victoria's radical and bold poster collectives of the past.

Men and women in straw hats, trousers and long skirts play tennis in bush surrounds
04 February 2021

Tennis in Victoria

Pull up your ankle socks and take a trip with us, as we unearth fascinating images of tennis in Victoria through the years.

A woman and young girl peer through a window at a paper sculpture
27 January 2021

Under the love umbrella

Join us for a soothing tour under the roof of the dome – our very own 'love umbrella'.

A mechanical home-made old radio
25 January 2021

Creative Tech Fridays

Calling all creators, makers and podcasters: learn the skills to take your project to the next level!

Photograph of piles of books
21 December 2020

Prime Minister’s Summer Reading List 2020

Watch this webinar where we reveal the top six thought-provoking, diverse, and relevant books and articles from 2020.

Poster shows image of magician dealing a pack of cards from his left hand, wand in right hand. He is surrounded by women in Eastern costume and an Asian magician stands behind him. Demons play with dice, a witch rides a broomstick and a camel train pass by pyramids on a moonlit night.
18 December 2020

The supreme master of magic online jigsaw puzzle

We've turned this magic poster circa 1920s into a customisable digital puzzle.

Poster of a man on an emu with a sack of presents.
18 December 2020

Xmas toy fair & magic cave online jigsaw puzzle

This wacky Australian Christmas scene has been turned into an online jigsaw puzzle!

Blinky Bill the koala wearing checked pants with red suspenders and holding a slingshot, standing in front of a tree trunk, holding hands with his mother Mrs Koala, who is wearing a spotted frock, apron and checkered shawl.
18 December 2020

Blinky Bill and Mrs Koala online jigsaw puzzle

One of Australia's favourite characters now comes in puzzle form!

This winter wonderland scene is hand painted on glass. The Magic Lantern slides were made to be projected like an early version of a slide show or movie. When light was shone through the image,s the colours were bright and saturated creating a magical sight.
18 December 2020

Winter wonderland online jigsaw puzzle

Get into the Christmas spirit with this winter wonderland scene.

Shows small girl asleep beside tree, with fairies and elves flying around her.
18 December 2020

Fairy gully online digital puzzle

Enjoy putting this scene with fairies and Australian animals back together.

Historical drawing of a manticore
15 December 2020

Fantastic beasts: unicorns, manticores and mermaids

Join Senior Librarian Dr Anna Welch as she explores the curious mythical animals once featured in our natural history books.