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November 2009 - Exhibitions & Events

Exhibitions

 

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

Lectures, Talks & Forums

 

Darwin and Darwinism: Origins and evolution

What can we learn from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution? Join in a fascinating conversation about Darwin’s work, and examine items from the Library’s collections that reflect the influence of his revolutionary findings.
Time: Thurs 5 Nov, 6–7pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Recovering the Australian war dead at Fromelles

Mike O'Brien was a Major General in the Australian infantry and has written a history of his battalion in Vietnam. He arranged the reburial of five World War I Australian soldiers found in Belgium in 2007, and oversaw the reburial of several hundred Australian soldiers at Fromelles, France. He will outline the process and outcomes of the Fromelles exhumation. Bruce Scates, Professor of History and Australian Studies at Monash University, served on the committee that confirmed the existence of mass graves at Fromelles. He will reflect on the event's significance for Australian history. This talk is part of the Making Public History series, presented in association with Monash University and the History Council of Victoria.
Time: Thurs 12 Nov, 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

Ned Kelly unearthed

The Kelly Gang's legendary last stand at the Glenrowan Inn is an iconic event in Victorian history. But how much do we really know about what happened? Following a recent archaeological dig at the site of the Glenrowan siege, historian Clare Wright will chair this animated discussion of how the Kelly legend is evolving. She will be joined by renowned Kelly historian Ian Jones, author of Ned Kelly: A Short Life; Adam Ford, lead archaeologist on the Glenrowan dig; Alex McDermott, the dig's historian; and Elizabeth Marsden, Collections Manager at the Police Museum. Following the discussion, enjoy a special evening viewing of the new display Unearthing Glenrowan in the Library's permanent exhibition The changing face of Victoria, home to Kelly's armour and the Jerilderie Letter.
Time: Tues 24 Nov, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
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

Music and dance on film: Midsummer and Christmas

Enjoy free screenings of classic performances, from popular musicals to opera greats. On 4 November, see A Midsummer Night's Dream performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. On 18 November, enjoy a special pre-Christmas double bill: Jose Carreras' Christmas Concert and Carols from King's, featuring the choir of Kings College, Cambridge.
Time: Wed 4 & 18 Nov, 12–2pm
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required
Free

Australian Poetry Slam '09 – Victorian State Final

After six pumping heats around the state, just who is Victoria's best Slam poet? You be the judge! Heat winners are competing for a coveted place in the Australian Poetry Slam national final and a shot at a $5000 cash prize. For details, see the Australian Poetry Slam '09 page or search for 'AustPoetrySlam' on Facebook and Twitter.
Time: Thurs 12 Nov, 8–10pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $15 (concession $12; Library Foundation $10)

Kids at the Library

 

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 4 Nov, 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 5 Nov, 11–11.45am
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Play Pod: Fun for kids

The Play Pod is a colourful and kid-friendly space in Experimedia. Get comfy and dip into popular picture-books, view children's digital art, and make your own book – or a replica of Ned Kelly's helmet! (Young children should be supervised by an adult.)
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

 
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