October 2009 - Exhibitions & Events

Exhibitions

The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria

Turn the pages of Victoria's literary history, from the first stories to the contemporary scene. This free exhibition celebrates the stories, the voices and the spirit of independence that have made Victoria's literature unique.
Time: Until 25 Oct, 10am–5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays)
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Free

The changing face of Victoria

Revisit Victoria's early years, see Ned Kelly's armour and discover Melbourne stories in this fascinating exhibition.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Dome Galleries, Level 5
Free

Mirror of the World: books and ideas

This magnificent exhibition showcases rare, beautiful and historically significant books from the Library's collections.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Dome Galleries, Level 4
Free

The Cowen Gallery

View works from the Library's Pictures Collection, ranging from early scenes of Melbourne to contemporary portraits.
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

The Independent Type: Events & Activities

Fun film classics: The Magic Pudding

This animated adaptation of Norman Lindsay's timeless classic, The Magic Pudding (G, 75 mins), will enchant young and old. Featuring the voices of John Cleese, Geoffrey Rush and Sam Neill as the cantankerous pudding, the poignant koala and his penguin pal, it's as Australian as a gum leaf. Courtesy of ABC DVD.
Time: Thurs 1 Oct, 3pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The Independent Type exhibition tour

Explore the exhibition and discover the stories and the voices of Victoria's rich and diverse written culture.
Time: Tues & Thurs, 1–1.30pm (until 22 Oct)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups (03 8664 7099)
Free

Melbourne: Books or bogans?

In 2008 Melbourne was named a UNESCO City of Literature. One year on, Andy Muirhead will moderate a passionate debate – is Melbourne really a city of literature, or are we just bogans in berets? Featuring Jane Clifton, Tony Wilson, Tony Martin and Catherine Deveny.
Time: Thurs 15 Oct, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7099 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $15; $12 concession; $10 Library Foundation members

Drusilla Modjeska in conversation with Hilary McPhee
Hear two of Australia's leading literary figures discussing writing, publishing and the writer's life, then enjoy a special evening viewing of the exhibition The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria. Presented in association with RMIT and Copyright Agency Limited, supporter of RMIT's Writers in Residence program.
Time: Tues 20 Oct, 6–7pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The evolution of storytelling

The storytelling tradition is as old as humankind, but today much of our storytelling happens on screen or online. Join a fascinating panel discussion about storytelling, from the oral tradition to contemporary formats, with Michelle Rayner, Executive Producer of Hindsight on ABC Radio National; Jackie Kerin from the Storytelling Guild of Victoria; and author and illustrator Gabrielle Wang.
Time: Thurs 22 Oct, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Lectures, Talks & Forums

Making history online

How is history being made and contested online? Using a sample of websites and discussion forums, Megan Blair (lecturer in International Studies at Monash University) will explore the example of the current state of American Civil War history online, and how historians use the internet to engage with the past, and with each other. Megan Sheehy (a public historian with heritage production house SHP) will discuss the use of Web 2.0 technologies for public history. Time: Thurs 8 Oct, 5.30–7pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Libraries as learning hubs

Libraries everywhere are now developing innovative community learning programs and services
to engage people of all ages. But is it making a difference? Hear from panellists Christine Mackenzie, CEO Yarra Plenty Regional Library, Andrew Hiskens, Manager Learning Services, State Library of Victoria, and Mary Manning, Executive Officer, School Libraries Association of Victoria.
Time: Tues 13 Oct, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Early childhood literacy

This inspiring professional development day in Children's Week will focus on early childhood literacy as part of the Victorian Government's Young Readers Program. US experts James Thomas, Sharon Schnagel and Nancy Stewart will discuss the sharing of stories with young children in both family and professional settings, and the use of music and song as part of early childhood literacy.
Time: Thurs 29 Oct, 9am–3.30pm (registration from 8.30am)
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Tours & Activities

In addition to the scheduled tours listed, the Library can provide customised tours for groups, covering various Library spaces, exhibitions and collections. For details, call 03 8664 7279.

Dome Galleries tour

Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and highlights of the exhibitions Mirror of the World: books and ideas and The changing face of Victoria.
Time: Mon–Fri, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups: 03 8664 7099
Free

Ned Kelly tour

Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Victoria's infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly. See Ned's original suit of armour, amazing photographs and rare documents and artefacts.
Time: Tues & Thurs, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups (03 8664 7099)
Free

Victorian Junior Chess Masters tournament
Witness the final game of the Junior Chess Masters tournament and meet some of Australia's best chess players. You can even play a game on the giant chess set or on the big screen, and get some coaching and feedback. Don't forget to check out the Library's Chess Collection.
Time: Fri 2 Oct, 10am–2pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Music and dance on film

Enjoy free screenings of classic performances, from popular musicals to opera greats. On 7 October, enjoy Margot Fonteyn and the Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet's performance of Cinderella. On 21 October, see the Madrid Symphony Orchestra perform Giancarlo del Monaco's production of Mascangi's and Leoncavallo's operas Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci.
Time: Wed 7 & 21 Oct, 12–2pm
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required
Free

Digital Fringe '09

Catch the latest digital art from around the world, including animation, video art, short film and motion graphics, displayed on the big screen in Experimedia. Digital Fringe is the digital arts arm of the 2009 Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Time: Until Sun 11 Oct, daily during Library hours
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required

International Digital Entertainment Festival (iDEF)

Develop your skills and discover career pathways in the exciting realm of digital games! The International Digital Entertainment Festival (iDEF) presents games, films, workshops and forums over three days at the Library (and at the Royal Exhibition Buildings). For details, visit the iDEF website.

The gaming network

Gaming doesn't have to be an isolating experience. Join a panel of gaming experts for an interactive discussion of the incredible social networking opportunities that the world of games is opening up.
Time: Fri 30 Oct, 2.30–4pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Second Skin

Second Skin is an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) documentary (2008, 95 min), directed by Juan Carlos Pineiro Escoriaza, about virtual worlds and the real lives they affect. It features players who populate virtual worlds in online games like World of Warcraft and Second Life.
Time: Fri 30 Oct, 6.30–8pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The digital future is not a distant future

Participate in a forum featuring key industry speakers exploring the fast-paced changes in gaming and technology and the implications for our lifestyles.
Time: Sat 31 Oct, 11am–12.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Take me by the hand
Join game developers as they walk you through their favourite games and reveal the highlights and hiccups of game development.
Time: Sat 31 Oct, 1.30–3pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

SYN FReeZA Gaming Tournament
Get ready for an afternoon of action at this youth gaming event presented in partnership with SYN Media. Battle your friends and enemies at Sing Star, Guitar Hero, Mario Kart and more. There are great prizes to be won, plus the glory of being the SYN Gaming Champion for 2009!
Time: Sat 31 Oct, 4–6pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Register from 3.30pm
Free

For details on the International Digital Entertainment Festival programs for schools see the What's On page for October 2009 - Learning.

Kids at the Library

Ned Kelly tour for kids
Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Ned Kelly. See Ned's actual armour, the Jerilderie Letter and original photographs, and hear amazing stories about the notorious Kelly Gang. Followed by a craft activity, making and decorating a replica of Ned's helmet. (For ages five to 12.)
Time: Thurs 1 Oct, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required
Free

Storytime for pre-schoolers

Share the wonder of books! This enjoyable session of stories, songs, rhymes and activities is especially designed for pre-schoolers. (For ages two to five.)
Time: Wed 7 Oct, 11–11.45am
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Baby Bounce session

Encourage your child to have a lifelong love of books! Join us for a fun-filled session of stories, songs and rhymes, as part of the Victorian Government's Young Readers Program. (For ages eight months to two years.)
Time: Thurs 8 Oct, 11–11.45am
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Sparky Stories

Free Sunday fun! Inspired by illustrated books from the Library's collection, each child will create a digital picture-book, complete with illustrations and their own narration. (For ages five to 12.)
Time: Sun 11 & 25 Oct, 10am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online for 11 Oct or 25 Oct, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

After dark at the Library

This annual event is a fun evening for the whole family during Children's Week. Hear great stories from popular children's authors, take a haunting Library tour, and join in the launch of Penguin's Kids Night In (3) anthology, with special guests including Doug MacLeod, Andy Griffiths, Gabrielle Wang, Shaun Tan, Sally Rippin and Michael Wagner. Plus supper, giveaways and prizes. Don't forget your torch!
Time: Fri 30 Oct, 5.45–8.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free