The spirit archives
Anyone can talk to the dead. But can the dead talk back?
Comedian Lawrence Leung has been digging into the Library’s collection to explore the 19th century cultural phenomenon, spiritualism. Equipped with an Ouija board, spirit bell and spirit slates, Lawrence set out to uncover the truth.
Believe us, you’ll want to watch this.
The woman in Ian Potter Queen’s Hall
Uncover the Library’s secrets on a guided tour
Once the doors close and the lights go down, something, or someone, drifts between the bookshelves.
Senior Library Technician Hellena was conducting a routine check in Ian Potter Queen’s Hall at around 2am when she suddenly saw ‘Her’. A transparent figure with flowing hair, dressed in a long gown and holding the hand of a young boy.
Hear more about this ghostly encounter, tales of a missing pendulum and Library secrets during an exclusive guided tour through the iconic Dome and hidden spaces.
2025 World Teachers’ Day
Unlock resources, programs and events
Wizards, witches and ghosts aside. The real magic-makers are in the classrooms with our spellbinding teachers.
This World Teachers’ Day, we are celebrating the educators who inspire, guide and shape the future. At the Library, we have a range of exciting schools programs to support and engage young minds.
Get updates on new programs for students, education services and special events for teachers by subscribing to our Education News below.
What’s on
Coming soon at the Library
In Memory | Of Being – Mixed Reality in the Dome
8, 15 and 22 Nov
Wearing mixed-reality glasses, experience the Library’s collection come to life, transforming the Dome.
Library Orientation
6 Nov
New to the Library? Join our Librarians for a how-to on using the Library’s resources, services and spaces.
Introduction to Newspapers and Family History Reading Room
11 Nov
Learn the skills you need to master the Library’s databases and efficiently use the research equipment.
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. Lawrence Leung, source State Library Victoria
2. Queen’s Hall Looking South, 1900. Harvie & Sutcliffe photographers. H10545
3. Brunswick Technical School album, [ca. 1939]. H2012.43/17.
4. Library Orientation, source State Library Victoria
5. Introduction to Newspapers and Family History Reading Room, credit Eugene Hyland
6. Build Your Own Megabeast, source Jordan Gould and Richard Pritchard
