Talks

Join us for an exciting program of talks and seminars on literary, historical and contemporary issues, together with presentations about, and showings of, the Library's rich collections.

You can also listen to selected talks online.

Saturday 4 July, 1.30 PM

Talk: Independent Scholars Association of Australia (NSW Chapter) presents

In this seminar, childhood is explored from various perspectives

Tuesday 7 July, 12.30 PM

Talk: Charles Darwin and Conrad Martens

The voyage of the Beagle from 1831 to 1836 changed the lives of many who were on board, including London-born painter Conrad Martens (1801–1878).

Thursday 9 July, 5.30 PM for 6.00 PM

Talk: The household guide to dying by Debra Adelaide

Join a group of like-minded readers to discuss a popular book of literary fiction each month.

This event is part of the The Book Examined series.

Tuesday 14 July, 5.30 PM

Talk: Ludwig Leichhardt and his Australian diaries

Wednesday 15 July, 6.00 PM

Max Barry will discuss financial risk in the corporate world as a springboard to a more general discussion about the ways our attitudes towards different kinds of risk define us as people and inform the decisions we make about our lives.

Tuesday 21 July, 5.30 PM

Talk: French Tour de Vin

Follow the Tour de France route in a way never before experienced as you view stunning images from places visited by the intrepid cyclists in the 2009 le Tour. Sit back, relax and enjoy tastings of wine from the regions en route.

Tuesday 28 July, 12.30 PM

Talk: Vaniman panorama gallery walk

Curator of Photography Alan Davies leads a tour of the Vaniman panoramas and shares fascinating stories about the dare-devil American photographer.

Thursday 30 July, 6.00 PM

Talk: Prêt-à-porter fashion parade

Enjoy a visual extravaganza of stunning vintage French model gowns from the Darnell Collection l’Ecole Superieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode (ESMOD Australia). The gowns and accessories recreate the glamorous fashion parades of the world’s great 20th century couturiers.

Saturday 1 August, 10.15 AM

Talk: Australian literary futures: The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Australian Literature

Marking the publication of the keenly awaited Macquarie PEN Anthology of Australian Literature, this symposium brings together authors, scholars and editors to discuss the significance of Australian literature for contemporary readers.

Thursday 6 August, 5.30 PM for 6.00 PM

Talk: Out of the vaults series

Enjoy an intimate viewing of some of our most iconic and intriguing items. This month see rare Australian music collections and view original scores, artefacts, photographs and correspondence with Curator of Music, Meredith Lawn.

This event is part of the Out of the Vaults series.

Tuesday 11 August, 12.30 PM

Talk: Dr Johnson

Susannah Fullerton tells of the life of this remarkable man and the story of his struggles over the dictionary.

Thursday 13 August, 5.30 PM for 6.00 PM

Talk: The five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom

Join a group of passionate book lovers to discuss a popular book of literary fiction on the second Thursday of each month.

This month enjoy Mitch Albom's bestselling novel The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a moving and profound contemporary fable and an important reminder of the interconnectedness of us all.

This event is part of the The Book Examined series.

Monday 17 August, 5.30 PM for 6.00 PM

Talk: The indispensable parson

As part of the Cowper 200 celebrations, a new book by Peter G. Bolt, William Cowper (1778–1858), The Indispensable Parson. The Life & Influence of Australia’s First Parish Clergyman, will be launched at the Library.

Tuesday 18 August, 5.30 PM for 6.00 PM

Talk: Simone Weil Lecture: Knowledge and prejudice

Speaker Dr Miranda Fricker, Reader in Philosophy at Birkbeck College University of London, is introduced by Professor Raimond Gaita.

Wednesday 19 August, 12.30 PM

Talk: The myths surrounding Shakespeare

David MacSwan, founder of Shakespeare by the Sea, actor, director and playwright examines the multiplicity of myths surrounding the identity of Shakespeare.

Sunday 23 August, 5.30 PM for 6.00 PM

Talk: Race and reunion: The Civil War in American memory

The Civil War was the most divisive and destructive event in American history. This lecture will explore how conflicting memories of the war have dominated, poisoned, and sometimes inspired the formation of a national memory in the US.

Wednesday 26 August, 12.30 PM

Talk: Brief Encounters: Literary travellers in Australia 1836–1939

Brief encounters tells the stories of one female and ten male writers who visited Australia between 1836 and 1939.

Tuesday 1 September, 5.30 PM for 6.00 PM

Talk: Behind a velvet light trap — a filmmaker’s journey from Cinesound to Cannes

Distinguished Australian producer AnthonyBuckley AM has just published a book on his experiences in the cinema.

Thursday 3 September, 5.30 PM for 6.00 PM

Talk: Out of the vaults series

Enjoy an intimate viewing of some of our most iconic and intriguing items. This month enjoy an exclusive viewing of these original sketchbooks and drawings by colonial artist Eugene von Guerard, with Emeritus Curator Mitchell Library Elizabeth Ellis OAM

This event is part of the Out of the Vaults series.