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Newsflash:

The Library is open. See frequently asked questions.

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Newsflash:

Due to essential maintenance, digital image viewers in the old catalogue will be temporarily unavailable between 1 pm and 4 pm (AEDT) this Thursday, 9 December 2021. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Events online

Catch up on popular Library events.

Events online

    Event series

    Author Talks

    The Library’s author talks are enlightening, funny, sad, controversial, joyous, heartwarming and are always entertaining.

    Open books photo

    Award announcements

    The Library's vibrant awards program brings together writers and readers to celebrate and promote excellence in literature and history.

    Awards Events online

    The B List bookclub

    Each month, Bri is in conversation with a contemporary author followed by a Q&A session. View all past recordings of the B List here.

    Curator's Choice

    Our Curators discuss the Library’s amazing collections and share their favourite stories.

    [Book of hours, 15th cent.] [manuscript] Catholic Church. : 1450-1499?

    Friends events

    Enjoy highlights from the rich program of events for Friends of the Library members, including interviews with leading authors and fascinating curator talks.

    Friends events

    Lifelong Learning

    Discover an exciting range of courses, talks and workshops designed for learners of any age and stage of learning.

    Lifelong Learning

    Scholar Talks

    Scholar Talks showcase the work of the Library's Fellows and other researchers.

    Talking Deadly

     A First Nations speaker series hosted by the Library's Indigenous Engagement team.

    Talking deadly

    Featured past events

    The Science of Us: Conquer anxiety and fear

    Join Dr Melissa Norberg on The Science of Us program as she talks about anxiety and fear, and how we can conquer them when they arise.

    Science of Us: Conquer anxiety and fear

    Capturing Change: In conversation with Matt Abbott

    A one-on-one online discussion with Matt Abbott and Philippa McDonald about Matt’s experiences as he worked to record the catastrophic Australian bushfires

    Capturing Change: In conversation with Matt Abbott

    Sydney Review of Books: New Nature

     A new wave of Australian nature writers will redefine how to write about landscape, Country, ecology and biosphere in 21st century Australia.

    Sydney Review of Books: New Nature

    ACHRC: What price the humanities?

    Professor Mark Ledbury will argue that ‘running the numbers’, is both an effective and a necessary method to demonstrate why all societies should prize and preserve the humanities research and education.

    What price the humanities

    World Book Day: Hits & Misses

    On World Book Day, five passionate readers and writers shared their favourite and least favourite reads.

    World Book Day: Hits & Misses

    A Body in Your Library

    Crime stories often tell tales of great trauma, but the usually clear resolutions to even the most dreadful crimes give us a sense of hope.

    Podcasts

    The Gatherings Order

    Rake through our archives with historians, public health experts and scientists to trace the path of the 1918-19 influenza pandemic. 

    The Burial Files

    Stream (or binge!) all nine episodes of The Burial Files now for a journey back to 19th century Sydney, and rediscover a place you thought you knew.

    Photograph of cemetery overlaid with text Burial files

    The Bridge: the Arch that Cut the Sky

    A fascinating five-part series retracing the tumultuous history of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

    The Bridge: The Arch That Cut the Sky. A five-part series starring Australia's favourite icon, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

    What's ON > 

    All the latest exhibitions and events.