Hide message

Newsflash:

We're open Wednesday 26 January 2022, with changes to some services and opening hours ›

See more

What’s got us talking

Find out more about our major building plans.

Proposed Mitchell Street entrance access upgrade

Check out our top summer reads for 2022.

Top summer reads 2022

Explore your Library at home.

Hand holding up book titled 'Fun at Home' with book shelves in the background

Discover the golden age of Australian stage magic.

The Great Lavante poster

Collection buzz

A global view

The artistry of centuries-old globes is only one aspect of their continuing allure.

Celebrating 100 years of Little Obelia

In time for the Christmas present rush 100 years ago — in November 1921 — May Gibbs released her third and final full-length book featuring Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

Distant peaks

Of the thousands of maps in the State Library’s collection, Aaron Arrowsmith’s Chart of the Pacific Ocean is one of the most fascinating.

Alice Tonkinson examines the Arrowship map of the Pacific from 1798, photo by Joy Lai

Happy 100th birthday Ginger!

Ginger Meggs, Australia’s longest running comic strip character and national icon, burst to life on 13 November 1921 in the first issue of the Sunbeams colour comic supplement.

Spine tingling

Looking closely at the spine could unlock the mystery of a rare book, or it could raise more questions.

Book spines

Featured events

The B List with Larissa Behrendt (now online only)

The B List bookclub
Thursday
Thursday 27 January 2022 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Free
Talk

Each month Bri is in conversation with a contemporary author followed by a Q&A session.

Bri Lee holding book After Story
Online

Out of the Vaults

Indigenous
Out of the vaults
Wednesday
Wednesday 16 February 2022 - 11am to 12pm
Free
Talk

Showing records and memorabilia in the Library’s collection, Melissa and Kerry-Ann will share stories of First Nations sports heroes.

Two smiling women are holding old documents
Online

History Skills: Evaluating Sources

Schools
Wednesday
Wednesday 16 February 2022 - 1pm
Free
Virtual excursion

Learn how to think like a historian in this skills-focused virtual excursion. 

Paintings on blue wall

Exploring our Environment

Schools
Friday
Friday 18 February 2022 - 10am to 10:45am
Free
Virtual excursion

Take a walk with us and investigate our land’s unique geography. 

Drawing of bushland