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 and trivia.

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

Win a 3-day pass to Byron Writers Festival

We are thrilled to be partnering with Byron Writers Festival (26–28 August) this year.

To celebrate, we’re giving away a 3-day pass to this amazing regional event featuring more than 140 writers, experts and storytellers.

On Saturday 27 August at 12.30 pm we’ll be hosting an Openbook panel: ‘When private worlds become public’. Hear from Openbook editor Phillipa McGuinness and special guests Fiona Murphy, Jessie Cole and Matt Okine.

To be in the running to win, simply subscribe to Openbook by 5 pm Friday 12 August 2022. If you're a current subscriber, you will automatically go into the draw for the prize.

Terms and conditions

All those who subscribe to Openbook as of 5 pm, Friday 12 August 2022, will be automatically entered into the prize draw.
Recipients of gift subscriptions will be eligible for the draw, NOT the purchasers.
The prize will be drawn on 15 August 2022 and the winner notified by phone or email. If the winner is unable to accept the prize, a second winner will be drawn and so forth.
Travel to Byron Writers Festival will be at the prize winner’s expense.
The prize is for one person only. Additional passes can be purchased here.
Current Friends of the State Library of NSW and Library staff are not eligible to enter.

Your subscription will commence with the current issue.

12 months / 4 issues $50 (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: phillipa.mcguinness@sl.nsw.gov.au 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.