Openbook

Openbook is the Library's award-winning quarterly magazine. It was previously known as SL magazine, before we gave it a makeover.

Inside each issue you'll find stories that are inspiring, thought-provoking and surprising. We're working with established and emerging writers with diverse perspectives on literature, art, photography, history, science, architecture, popular culture and topical issues. Our library insiders will take you behind the scenes to reveal weird and wonderful finds from the collection.

Expect a mix of feature articles, news, commentary, photo-essays, interviews, fiction, poetry, reviews, recipes, trivia and even DIY projects.

So, if you love books and libraries and are curious about the world inside and outside of them - subscribe today.

Please note: If you are subscribing for your school, TAFE or university library, please email [email protected] to arrange an institutional subscription.

Win an evening in the State Library’s stunning Shakespeare Room for your book club.

With its Tudor-style architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows, the Shakespeare Room is the perfect setting to discuss your favourite books with five friends.

The prize includes drinks and nibbles, as well as a private viewing of Shakespeare’s First Folio from 1623.

To be in the running to win, simply subscribe to Openbook magazine or become a Friend of the Library by 13 August 2021.

Terms and conditions

All those who subscribe to Openbook or become a Friend of the Library between 1 June and 13 August 2021 will be automatically entered into the prize draw.
Recipients of gift subscriptions and Friends memberships will be eligible for the draw, NOT the purchasers.
The prize will be drawn on 16 August 2021 and the winner notified by email. If the winner is unable to accept the prize, a second winner will be drawn and so forth.
Travel to the State Library will be at the prize winner’s expense.
The night in the Shakespeare Room must be held on a weekday between 6 pm and 9 pm before 16 August 2022 subject to availability.
A maximum 6 people may be included in the prize.
Current Friends and Library staff are not eligible to enter.

Your subscription will commence with the current issue.

12 months / 4 issues $40 (includes postage).

Subscribe here

Become a Friend of the Library

Library Friends receive Openbook as part of their member benefits.

Join Friends

Letters & submissions

Please email letters or article proposals to the editor: [email protected] or post to Openbook editor, State Library of NSW, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney 2000. No responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photographs.