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Newspapers

We have an extensive newspaper collection of about 1,700 different newspapers, published in Australia and overseas.

If you're visiting the Library, the PressReader eresource is able to be accessed on Library computers, or by connecting your own device to the State Library of NSW wi-fi.

Magazine and newspaper covers, ca. 1941-1951
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The Library specialises in collecting suburban and regional newspapers published in New South Wales. These newspapers make up approximately 80% of the newspaper collection.

Newspapers are extremely fragile and for preservation purposes we will issue microfilm copies wherever possible. Most newspapers are available on microfilm in the Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room. We keep most of the original newspapers in offsite storage.

We also have Australian and international newspapers in the eresources collection. The eresources collection, including PressReader, includes current and historical newspapers.

Delve into the catalogue to find a specific newspaper or a newspaper for a particular area or town.

Digitising the collection

In partnership with the National Library of Australia, we are working to digitise the Library's newspaper collection.

Visit Trove to see a full list of New South Wales newspapers and newspapers from other states.

Collection strengths

  • The first Australian newspaper, the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, 5 March 1803 to 1842.
  • A complete set of the Sydney Morning Herald from 1842 to the present, including its predecessor the Sydney Herald (1831-1842), and the Daily Telegraph from 1879 to present.
  • Early Sydney newspapers such as the Illustrated Sydney News (1853-1894) and the Sydney Mail (1860-1938).
  • Suburban Sydney newspapers such as the St. George and Sutherland Shire Leader from 1963 to present and the Wentworth Courier from 1961 to the present.
  • Regional New South Wales newspapers such as the Maitland Mercury from 1894 to the present and the Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) from 1911 to the present.
  • Major interstate papers such as the Age (Melbourne) from 1854 to the present and the Mercury (Hobart) from 1860 to the present.
  • Several major international newspapers such as the New York Times from 1857 to the present and the Times (London) from 1788 to the present.