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What’s got us talking

The spring issue of Openbook magazine is out now.

Openbook magazine spring 2021

Share what's on your mind with The Diary Files.

The Diary Files

We’re looking for Koori Knockout stories and souvenirs!

‘2004 Koori Knockout Grand Final winners’ by Jamie James

Ever considered using maps to get to know your ancestors?

Collection buzz

Take 5 lighthouses

Discover some of the oldest and most unique lighthouses across NSW – from Eden to Wollongong, Norah Head to Cape Byron.

Spine tingling

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

Book spines

130 years of the Kelmscott Press

William Morris (1834–1896) — British artist, designer, craftsman, writer and socialist — established the Kelmscott Press at Hammersmith, London, in January 1891.

Kelmscott Press Printers device

War diaries of George Gittoes

A selection of visual diaries of Australian artist George Gittoes, covering the period between 2001 and 2014, have been recently digitised by the Library.

Detail from Image 8, Item 24: George Gittoes art diary, ca. April 2009-ca. December 2009

Kathleen’s voyage: A love story

These beautifully illustrated logbooks record a detailed account of the circumnavigation of the world by the deep-sea cruising yacht Kathleen Gillett.

Detail: [The Kathleen Gillet in full sail], oil on card, Kathleen's voyage number 2, Thursday Island to Christmas Island, July-August 1947

Featured events

Spotlight on Shakespeare

Schools
Tuesday
Tuesday 12 October 2021 - 10am to 10:45am
Free
Virtual excursion

This interactive experience will inspire your students to learn more about the great playwright, William Shakespeare! 

The Biennial Coral Thomas Fellowship

Thursday
Thursday 14 October 2021 - 6pm to 7pm
Free
Special event

How newspaper companies took over Australian television: presented by Professor Sally Young, Coral Thomas Fellow.

Headshot image of Professor Sally Young
Online

How’s Tricks? Putting the Library’s Magic collections on show...

Curator Talks
Tuesday
Tuesday 19 October 2021 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Free
Talk

Join curator Margot Riley as we step behind the velvet curtain to see how the Library’s latest exhibition was researched and brought together.

Carter the Great image: The Vanishing Elephant
Online

History Skills: Evaluating Sources

Schools
Wednesday
Wednesday 27 October 2021 - 10am to 10:45am
Free
Virtual excursion

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

Paintings on blue wall