State Library of Queensland

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There is so much on offer at State Library. Explore ways to make the most of your visit before you arrive.

The Australian Library of Art Showcase displays rare items curated from State Library's collections. Our current display, Down the Rabbit Hole, focuses on fantasy literature, nonsense and fairytales. There was a curious preoccupation with fairies in the Victorian era. Amidst an upsurge in fantasy literature, the Victorians also produced some of the best nonsense verse in the English language and one of the greatest fantasy novels, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This display showcases works such as In Fairyland, with Richard Doyle’s colour-drenched illustrations of the elfin world, Andrew Sibley’s luminous handmade book The Owl and the Pussycat, and the spectacular Pennyroyal Press edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The Pennyroyal Alice, published in 1982, is accompanied by a set of Barry Moser’s rather menacing wood engravings. Free Curator's Tours are held monthly. Join one of our specialist librarians to discover the hidden gems of the Australian Library of Art collections.

Join artist and Kalkadoon (Kalkadunga) knowledge holder Colleen Sam for an exclusive tour of her exhibition The unbroken spirit of the Kalkadoons. Colleen will guide you through her powerful exhibition of artworks and oral histories which reveal her families’ story of resistance and survival during one of the darkest periods in Queensland’s colonial past. Then join Colleen in the exhibition’s yarning circle to discuss the main themes of the exhibition to learn more about the depth and practice of Kalkadoon (Kalkadunga) culture.

Beginning your family history research can be tricky if you’re not sure where to start. Knowing what resources to search and where to begin can make the journey easier. Join our family history specialists for this online webinar to start your family history, uncover useful resources, and see how to use these resources to delve deeper.