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Stories

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

A woman looks down at an oversized book, open on a table
10 September 2020

Birds of America

Discover how a masterpiece of book art and one of the finest works on ornithology ever produced became part of the State collection.

Mat Larkin
10 September 2020

Mat Larkin Story Talks

Popular children's book author Mat Larkin joins the Library for Story Talks!

Rawah Arja and her book
10 September 2020

Children's creative writing workshop with Rawah Arja

Learn the basics of creative writing in this fun and interactive workshop!

A little girl looks off to the distance as she sits on a swing with her puppy
04 September 2020

Collective Isolation Project, week 20: Wonder

Lockdown has led us to slow down and pay closer attention to the small things: tell us what small pleasures have brought you joy during lockdown.

An aged, yellowing manuscript of ornate script
03 September 2020

The oldest items in our collection

Kate Torney introduces two priceless items showcased in our 'World of the book' exhibition: the oldest item and the oldest book in our collection!

Men and women with 1960s outfits and hairstyles enjoy a drink at a bar
28 August 2020

Collective Isolation Project, week 19: Social activities

As we creak into the halfway point of lockdown, we ask you to share the social activities that you most look forward to resuming when restrictions ease.

A woman smiles as she leans over an old wooden chair and desk
27 August 2020

Dome furniture

Kate Torney gives us an up-close peek at the dome's well-worn furniture which manages to be both charming and functional after more than 100 years!

6 weeks 6 issues
21 August 2020

6 weeks, 6 issues

Catch up on all six episodes of our weekly online talk series, moderated by Kate Torney, where we hear from experts directly involved in planning Victoria's post-COVID recovery.

A man with a big beard and hair receives a trim while three other men look on smiling
21 August 2020

Collective Isolation Project, week 18: Iso hair

What's up top? Share photos of your best, your worst and your craziest hairstyles and haircuts during lockdown!

A woman in a white dress stand beside a painting of a scorched landscape
20 August 2020

Favourites from the Cowen Gallery

Join Kate Torney as she shares the stories behind three paintings in the Cowen Gallery, all linked by the theme of fire.

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!