Preserving Australian women’s stories
Athletes. Parliamentarians. Scientists.
The Australian women’s register provides biographical information and bibliographies about women in Australia who made their mark on society and includes over 6200 entries on women who lived in the 19th century to the present. Some highlights include the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, featuring Lady Millie Peacock, the first woman elected to the Victorian parliament.
Our librarians have put the below guide together with information on accessing the register and some hidden gems to look out for.
Step inside the creative heart of State Library Victoria
A window into evolving work from the Library’s Fellowship Program
Across 3 lunchtime sessions, see ideas taking shape and discover how the Library is a living site of creation as Library Fellows share an update on their unique fellowship projects.
Dr Anna McMichael (28 July) will discuss her project Sounds of an Icy Continent: Sounds and sights of Antarctica. Followed by Michael Dulaney (18 August) sharing his new book, Sentinels: When diseases spread between animals and humans. Then, learn about Ella Mittas’ (15 September) new artist book which traces how food carries cultural memory.
Open Studio
28 Jul, 18 Aug and 15 Sep 12.30–1.30pm
Free
Create Quarter
What treasures lie underneath the Library’s Dome?
Join a guided tour before the doors open
Over the last 170 years State Library Victoria has grown into 23 buildings, spanning one entire city block, with a collection of more than 4.5 million items. Guided by Library storytellers, embark beyond public areas as you journey through key collection spaces, unlocking treasures dating back to the 1800s.
Learn about how the Library’s gallery spaces hold incredible collections of love stories and unlock exclusive insight into the Rebel Heart exhibition.
Exhibition Stories and Behind-the-scenes Tour
Every Thursday, 9.15–10.15am
$39 (plus booking fee)
What’s on
Coming soon at the Library
Winter kids’ program
From 10 Jul
Stuck on what to do for the last few days of school holidays? Drop into a keepsake craft activity or join a writing workshop.
Salon After D’Arc: The Gift of Heartbreak
15 Jul
Guided by host Jamila Rizvi, explore heartbreak beyond melodrama and as a deeply human experience that reshapes us emotionally, physically and creatively.
Library Up Late x Now or Never
21 Aug
From incredible performances and epic dancefloors to live music, experience one of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural spaces in a completely different light.
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. Sunday Nov 6th 1921, Disarmament Sunday, Yarra Park. MS9377/PHO2
2. Dr Anna McMichael, image provided by artist. Michael Dulaney, image provided by artist. Ella Mittas, source State Library Victoria, credit Jarrod Barnes
3. Exhibition Stories and Behind-the-scenes Tour, source State Library Victoria, credit Eva Gorobets
4. Salon After D’Arc, source State Library Victoria, credit Peter Foster
5. Winter kids’ program, source State Library Victoria, credit Eva Gorobets
6. Library Up Late, source State Library Victoria, credit Matto Lucas