What's on

Ruth Park is a major author who penned The Harp in the South (1948) and was dubbed the ‘female Dickens from Australia’.

Booker Prize shortlisted author Paul Murray discusses his third novel, The Bee Sting, with ABC's Kate Evans.

Join us as we announce the winners of 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and celebrate the contribution of writers to our cultural lives.

Be among the first to hear from some of the winners of the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.

The History Council of NSW brings together three award-winning historians to discuss the dual art of writing winning histories and creating captivating narratives.

Discover the fascinating life of Bee Miles, an uncompromising and fearless woman who captivated mid-20th century Australia, with biographer Rose Ellis, novelist Kate Grenville and host Caroline Baum.

Hear from Fates and Furies author Lauren Groff on her latest New York Times–bestselling historical novel, The Vaster Wilds, which follows a spirited girl alone in the wilderness. In conversation with Melanie Kembrey.

Explore the literary histories of Charmian Clift, Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower with the writers who are salvaging their stories from the archives. Featuring Brigitta Olubas, Nadia Wheatley and Susan Wyndham, with host Caroline Baum.

Interrogate and celebrate friendship with Susan Wyndham and Gyan Yankovich, in conversation with Spectrum’s Melanie Kembrey.

Celebrate Sydney through the decades at this slide night and talk by Nathan Mete, whose popular Instagram account @retrosydney_ has become a book detailing the city’s Golden Age.

Test your bookish smarts and join us on for a special Sydney Writers’ Festival Trivia night at the State Library of NSW’s rooftop Library Bar.

Indulge your word nerdery with lexicographer Sarah Ogilvie, whose book, The Dictionary People, dives deep into previously untapped archives to tell a people’s history of the Oxford English Dictionary. With Phillipa McGuinness.

Hear from an illustrious line-up of writers and creatives as they reflect on the formative library – or libraries – that shaped them as readers and writers.

A magical theatre performance for children inspired by the works of celebrated author Libby Hathorn!