Finding your way around the State Library
We provide access to information and collections in two reading rooms, the Mitchell Library and the State Reference Library (SRL). Staff are available in both reading rooms to help you with your research.
The Verandah is an area outside the SRL reading room where you can use your own laptop and materials independently.
Free wireless is available in all public areas of the Library.
Mitchell Library
Mitchell Library Reading RoomThe Mitchell Library Reading Room, located in the historic sandstone building, contains our internationally renowned research collections relating to Australia and the south-west Pacific, with special emphasis on New South Wales.
The collection includes:
- printed books and journals
- original materials including pictures, manuscripts and maps
- eResources
A number of specialist collections, including the Sir William Dixson Research Library, are held in this Library.
State Reference Library
State Reference Library Reading RoomThe State Reference Library Reading Room is located in the Macquarie Street building on Lower Ground 1 and Lower Ground 2 (SRL floorplan [PDF 616 KB] ![Floorplan of the State Reference Library [PDF 616 KB]](../images/icons/pdf_icon_16x16.gif){kind=icon}
). SRL contains a comprehensive collection of Australian and international research material including:
- printed books and journals
- government reports
- eResources
There are two specialist services located within SRL:
You will also find areas dedicated to HSC information, travel, newspapers and magazines as well as study rooms.
The Verandah
The VerandahThe Verandah is located outside the SRL Reading Room on Lower Ground 1. You can bring your books, bags and covered drinks into this area. It offers:
- Express computers
- printing, including from your USB
- photocopying
- spaces to read and use your laptop
- some daily newspapers
bags and LOCKERS
You can bring a small bag into most areas of the SRL and Mitchell Library Reading Rooms. All bags will be checked by Security as you enter and leave the reading rooms. Bags cannot be taken into the Special Collections area in the Mitchell Library Reading Room.
You can bring your own books and magazines into the reading rooms by filling out a form at the reading room entrance.
Bags include handbags, laptop bags, briefcases, suitcases, backpacks and shopping bags. There is a size limit of 25 x 35 x 10 cm. If your bag is larger than this, you will need to hire one of the lockers. The locker rental stations only accept cash but will give change if you don't have the exact money.
Small lockers
0 - 4 hours: $1
4 - 8 hours: $2
8 - 12 hours: $3
Small lockers with power (SRL only)
0 - 4 hours: $2
4 - 8 hours: $4
8 - 12 hours: $6
Large lockers
0 - 4 hours: $2
4 - 8 hours: $4
8 - 12 hours: $6
