When a date goes horribly wrong, it can be soul-crushing. Outrage-inducing. But for Alita Brydon, going on bad dates was a source of inspiration.
Ahead of hosting This Is Why I’m Single, where some of Australia’s top comics relive their most disastrous dating stories live on stage at the Library, Alita shares dating tips, trends and what motivated her to write her own dating bible.
Victorian history
Corner shop nostalgia
Whether you were picking up the local paper or a mixed bag of lollies after school, milk bars were once a cornerstone of everyday life in Australia.
In the last couple of decades milk bars have become a thing of the past. Luckily for us, photographer Christopher van der Craats captured these neighbourhood icons in their prime, documenting corner stores across Melbourne from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s.
Step back in time as you search through our catalogue by van der Craats, perhaps even spotting your old local.
SLV LAB Conversation
Building digital tools to help us see collections differently
State Library Victoria’s Chief Digital Officer Paula Bray and Head of Digital Strategy, Research and Insights Ana Tiquia sat down with historian and technologist Tim Sherratt as he retraced an impressive 30-year career within the GLAM sector.
Learn about Tim’s 12-week stint with SLV LAB, which led to the development of digital tools that have changed the way we interact with the Library’s digitised maps collection.
What’s on
Coming soon at the Library
Create a Kite Craft ActivityFrom 14 Mar
In a free workshop designed by award-winning illustrator Allison Colpoys, use colour and collage to decorate your own kite.
Love and Art: The world of Vali Myers25 Mar
In partnership with Monash University Museum of Art, our second iteration of Love and Art will go beyond the canvas and explore the creative legacy of Vali Myers.
Library Up Late x Melbourne International Comedy Festival16 Apr
Witness some of Melbourne’s top comics take to stages across the Library’s extraordinary spaces, including David O’Doherty, Sashi Perera, Takashi Wakasugi, Hot Department and more.
From our friends at Arts Centre Melbourne
From Cher and Kylie Minogue to Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish. Get up close with some of history’s most provocative and powerful performers in DIVA, a groundbreaking exhibition of more than 250 objects, including exquisite costumes, jewellery, photography, art and music. See DIVA at 25% off by following the link below and use code DIVA25.
Plan ahead before you visit
The Library is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Visit our website for more information on how to make the most of your visit.
1. Alita Brydon, image provided by talent.2. Exterior view of a milk bar, Sandringham, Victoria, Christopher van der Craats, 1983 or 1984; H2019.250/88. Milk bars at unidentified location, Christopher van der Craats, [between 1978 and 1985?]; H2019.250/164. Exterior views of milk bars in Richmond, Victoria, Christopher van der Craats, 1983 or 1984; H2019.250/66. Exterior views of milk bars, Yarraville, Victoria, Christopher van der Craats, 1983 or 1984; H2019.250/114. Exterior views of milk bars in Richmond, Victoria, Christopher van der Craats, 1983 or 1984; H2019.250/73.
3. Tim Sherratt, credit Yeoseop Yoon, source State Library Victoria.
4. Create a Kite Craft Activity, credit Allison Colpoys.
5. Vali Myers and Foxy, 1972, credit Rudi Rappold, Copyright Vali Myers Art Gallery Trust, Source State Library Victoria.
6. Library Up Late x Melbourne International Comedy Festival, credit Eva Gorobets, source state Library Victoria.
7. DIVA Exhibition, image 1 and 3 credit Arts Centre Melbourne, image 2 credit Eugene Hyland.
