Over the last 170 years the Library has grown its collection to more than 4.5 million items, from deeply personal diaries and sacred cultural artefacts to stories we may never fully know.
This August, encounter extraordinary and little-known memories hand-picked from the State Collection in our upcoming exhibition, You Have a New Memory. This free exhibition, opening 7 August, invites you to reflect on your own memories – and leave with new ones.
Collection spotlight
Records. Reports. Revelations.
Parliamentary papers are documents relating to the business of government and government departments, providing a time capsule of information on government decision-making and processes.
In our latest blog below, librarian Andrew McConville has highlighted 3 excellent databases for accessing centuries of parliamentary papers and some useful tips to help start your search. Highlights include the official inquiry into the sinking of the Titanic.
An unmissable lineup
For our third event in the Salon After D’Arc series, Jamila Rizvi hosts an evening exploring how archives shape cultural memory. Writer and director Wesley Enoch will delve into his new essay ‘In Search of the Living Library’, You Have a New Memory co-curators Kate Rhodes and Rory Hyde will share their curatorial insights, and Amarantha will end the evening with a stunning performance accompanied by live drumming from Adrian H. Hearn.
Plus, don’t miss out on a special collection viewing. Book your tickets now.
Salon After D’Arc: The Power of Cultural Memory
12 Aug, 7–9pm
$22–$34
State Library Victoria
What’s on
Coming soon at the Library
Advanced Searching
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Symphony of Stories22 Aug
Presenter and composer Lee Bradshaw joins 4 musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a special performance celebrating Book Week. Perfect for children aged 3–12 and families.
A SEXUAL HISTORY OF THE INTERNET25 Aug
Mindy Seu leads a participatory lecture performance, tracing the pervasive and perverse origins of our digital tools.
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. You Have a New Memory, GIF images sourced from State Library Victoria catalogue
2. The Legislative Assembly: Sir James McCulloch proposing the new standing order; A/S19/02/76/185
3. Jamila Rizvi, source State Library Victoria, credit Eugene Hyland. Wesley Enoch, credit Cassandra Hannagan. Kate Rhodes, source State Library Victoria, credit Eugene Hyland. Amarantha, image provided by artist
4. Catalogue screen accessed by the library patrons, State Library of Victoria. H2017.283/9
5. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, image provided by artists
6. Mindy Seu, credit Iga Drobisz
