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What’s got us talking

Meet the winners of the Russell Prize

Photo of two books side by side

Visit the Shakespeare Room

Support our rare books collection

Rare book

Bring the class in for an onsite excursion

Collection buzz

Stars in the stacks

A rare books specialist finds that the Library holds surprises beyond the natural history books and Australiana for which its collection is renowned.

Ethel Turner gets personal

A new acquisition reveals the personal and professional lives of one of Australia’s best-known authors.

a collection of items from the Ethel Turner collection including a notepad and a photograph

The Flying Pieman of Sydney, en pointe

Anna Corkhill writes about rediscovering costume drawings for a ballet that never was.

The collection like you've never heard it

Listen to and transcribe personal stories from our 'Islamic Faith in NSW' oral history collection.

A capital idea

Decorated initials — artworks in themselves — have a long history.

Featured events

Where do I start? Discover your State Library online

Thursday
Thu 25 May 2023
Free
Workshop

Learn how to sign up for your free Library card and access a world of online resources.

woman wearing glasses sitting in front of a computer writing on a notepad with her head down.
Online

How to illustrate a picture book with Sara Acton

Saturday
Sat 27 May 2023
Workshop

Develop the skills and confidence to illustrate your own picture book in this hands-on practical workshop. 

Woman sitting on the beach with an ipad smiling
Onsite

William Yang and Benjamin Law: Sydneyphiles Reimagined

Tuesday
Tue 6 Jun 2023
Talk

Hear celebrated photographer William Yang discuss his breakthrough exhibition Sydneyphiles, followed by a conversation with Benjamin Law.

Two men smiling at the camera, one has his arms around the others shoulders.
Onsite

Ellen van Neerven: Personal Score

Tuesday
Tue 13 Jun 2023
Free
Talk

Award-winning author Ellen van Neerven discusses their highly anticipated new book, Personal Score, with ABC's Sam Lewis.

Black and white headshot of Ellen van Neerven
Onsite