The Library is open over the October long weekend, with reduced hours on Monday 2 October 2023. View the long weekend opening hours here.
Friends benefits
Friends benefits
Be part of a vibrant membership community.
Friends of the State Library enjoy a wealth of benefits, with special access to our renowned collections through member events, exhibitions and publications.
Library magazine
The beautifully illustrated magazine is free for members and filled with inspiring, thought-provoking and surprising stories by established and emerging writers. Our Library insiders will take you behind the scenes to reveal weird and wonderful finds from the collection. Expect a mix of feature articles, interviews, photo-essays, fiction, reviews and more.
The monthly Friends e-news keeps you in touch with what’s happening at the Library.
Friends Room
The best members’ lounge in Sydney! It’s a place of tranquillity and beauty in the city for members to relax, read or meet a friend.
You and your guest can enjoy access Monday - Friday (9am - 5pm). Coffee & tea refreshments, daily newspapers, magazines and free wi-fi.
The Friends Room started its life as the original Mitchell Library Reading Room and was opened to the public in 1910. Visitors to the Friends Room are surrounded by a collection of 1,100 editions of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, donated by Dr Ben Haneman, period paintings from the collection and bespoke furniture and carpets.
The Friends Room is located on the ground floor of the Mitchell Building.
Discounts
10% discount on a great range of Australiana books, gifts and prints at the Library Shop, plus exclusive discount shopping days.
10% discount on food and beverages at Library Cafe.
20% venue hire discount when you book the beautiful Shakespeare Room for your next family function.
With its Tudor-style ceiling and stained-glass windows inspired by As You Like It, this intimate room is ideal for small dinners and cocktail parties for up to 15 people.
Please contact Venue Hire for all enquiries and quote your membership number when you book.
Events
The Library offers a rich and diverse program of events throughout the year. Friends receive priority booking and free or discounted tickets to most events. Explore events.
Exclusive Friends events include close-up viewings of the Library’s stunning original collections, literary awards, curator and author talks. See what's coming up.
Enjoy highlights from the rich program of online events for Friends of the Library members. Listen to recorded events.
Family history consultation
Uncover missing pieces of your family history puzzle in a free consultation with a specialist librarian. You will receive guidance for your research, as well as an introduction to the Library’s free Family History resources.
Share with our reciprocal partners
Enjoy member privileges at the National Library of Australia, State Library of Victoria and State Library of South Australia.
Give to the Library
Your gift to the State Library helps us to build, protect and share your heritage in many ways.
We rely heavily on your generosity to ensure everyone has the opportunity to read, think, create, explore and challenge ideas. Please consider making a gift today.
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