All at Sea is an exploration of literature with a strong maritime setting, chosen and presented by Melbourne book collector Chris Browne from his extensive library. From the beginnings of the novel in the seventeenth century until the present day, the sea has provided a compelling backdrop for storytelling from tales of adventure and daring do through romance and philosophy to historical, political and geographical drama.

Follow life from The Water Babies to The Old Man and the Sea. Explore the exploits of well-known heroes such as Hornblower, Aubrey, and Kydd and forgotten heroes like Frank Mildmay, Jack Saunders and Peter Simple, and the unforgettable villains Hook, Queeg and Long John Silver. Join us in the world of Night Plunderers and Game Lumpers, Lightermen and Scuffle-Hunters. So, raise the Blue Peter and let’s cast off.

Presented by The Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network, Rare Books Melbourne and The Melbourne Athenaeum Library from 6:30-7:30pm, Tuesday 13^th August. This is a free event but bookings are essential and can be made here

5 Islands Press author Sue Lockwood will launch her superb collection, The Flowering Dark, at the Melbourne Athenaeum Library on the 31 August. Anne M Carson will launch the book, and 5 Islands Press Managing Editor, Mark Tredinnick, will be your MC.

Sue's elegant "Last Train", which is included in the collection, is featured in the first edition of an exciting new online poetry journal, The Marrow, launched 30 June by Audrey Molloy, Daragh Byrne and Natalie Bührer. You can read "Last Train" and the other fine poems in this first edition on www.themarrowpoetry.com/issue-one-contents

Here's what renowned poet Judith Beveridge had to say about the book: "Compelling and wise, these poems argue that poetry must be a matter of passion and deep engagement with craft...a masterful collection that sings line by line."

The launch will be held on Saturday 31 August at 3:00pm. This event is free but bookings are essential and can be made through Trybooking using this link

A fan-led spoken word event featuring eleven of the best and sharpest extracts tracing the Oil’s storied career.

Includes band trivia and a rambling oration on the perils and pleasures of Midnight Oil fandom. Lovers of word crimes and storytelling – and the usual diehards – all welcome.

The event will be held on Thursday 1 August from 6:30pm. Please note that as this is an external event there is a $10 cost for this event for members and non-members alike. Bookings can be made through Trybooking using this link.

Affinity Quartet is returning to the library after a European stint to perform Beethoven's first foray into string quartets, the Opus 18, over three Friday evenings.

The Opus 18 is considered by many to be an expression of total mastery of the string quartet form. With these six compact and ground-breaking string quartets, a young Beethoven, still in his twenties, created a striking new direction for this intimate medium.

The first of these performances by the rising stars of the next generation of Australian chamber musicians will be on July 26, when they will perform String Quartet no. 4 in C minor and String Quartet no. 5 in A major.

The performance will be held on Friday 26 July with doors opening at 5:30pm for a 6:00pm performance. This event is free for members and $20 for guests. Bookings can be made through Trybooking using this link.