Big Smart: curated reading list by Nicholas Currie
First Nations artist Nicholas Currie (Mulunjali and Kuku Yalanji) has guest curated Incinerator Gallery's current exhibition Big Smart, showing from 12 April–8 June 2025. Nicholas has also curated an exclusive reading list of titles available through Moonee Valley Libraries, which explores the diverse modes of pedagogy within, and from the understandings of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Nicholas says his reading list is “curated from a personal love for these pieces of literature. The through line of the texts are that they have been pivotal to my understanding of contemporary Indigenous art and perspective.”
New Australian Reads
Check out these must-read Australian books from the past year, handpicked by our team.
News
Ascot Vale Library Redevelopment
Niddrie Library: temporary closure
Upcoming Events
#FlashbackFriday ⏳ Today is Anzac Day. Many Moonee Valley locals have served during WWI, WWII and other conflicts over the years - including Corporal Victor Roy Willoughby Shaw, 3rd Divisional Signals Company. A telephone mechanic from Moonee Ponds prior to enlistment, Corporal Shaw embarked from Melbourne on HMAT Ascanius on May 25 1916. After serving as a despatch rider, he returned to Australia on June 21 1919 and later went on to serve in the Second World War as a Captain with 6 Corps of Signals. 🤠🥀
📷 Australian War Memorial, 1916
#MooneeValleyLibraries #LocalHistory #MooneeValleyHistory #AnzacDay #AnzacTroops
Apr 24
#FlashbackFriday ⏳ Heading into the long weekend like... 🛹🤙
📷 Flemington Multicultural Festival, Racecourse Road, 1995. Image recently recovered by our Festivals & Events team.
#MooneeValleyLibraries #LocalHistory #MooneeValleyHistory #MulticulturalFestival #FlemingtonHistory #Rollerblading
Apr 17
🎤 Author talk
🧑 Sam Elkin, in conversation with Savannah Hollis
📖 `Detachable Penis: a queer legal saga`
📆 Wednesday 14 May, 7pm
📍 Sam Merrifield Library, Moonee Ponds
🎫 Free, bookings necessary
🏳🌈 IDAHOBIT
Join us for our next author talk, coming up in May! `Detachable Penis: a queer legal saga` is a sincere and unflinching memoir detailing Sam Elkin`s own gender transition and his role in setting up Victoria’s first queer legal service. Elkin offers a kaleidoscopic view of marginalised LGBTQIA+ communities and darkly humorous glimpse into his unique life in the law. Elkin will be in conversation with Savannah Hollis.
This talk is held in recognition of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia. Booking link in bio.
#MooneeValleyLibraries #LibrariesChangeLives
Apr 15
📣 Service Update: Niddrie Library 📣
🔨 Niddrie Library is undergoing essential building maintenance over the next few weeks.
📅 The branch will be closed from Thursday 24 April – Monday 5 May inclusive.
We anticipate reopening on Tuesday 6 May.
During the closure:
📚 Return chutes will be closed from 5pm on Wednesday 23 April.
🕑 Items currently on loan from Niddrie Library will not be due until after reopening.
📑 Items may be returned to any other Moonee Valley Libraries branch.
🤓 Reservations will be held until after the branch reopens.
👨👩👧 Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time, Preschool Storytime and Saturday Storytime will not go ahead during these dates.
📧 Alternative arrangements have been made for other programs and events scheduled during this time and attendees will be notified.
We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for updates. 👀
Apr 15
