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Newsflash:

The Library is open over the October long weekend, with reduced hours on Monday 2 October 2023. View the long weekend opening hours here.

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What’s got us talking

Try the new menu in our Library Bar

The Library Bar, observation deck

Share your pride story

Two people in the Pride Line phone booth

Apply now for the 2024 NSW Premier's Literary Awards

Book stacked on a desk in front of bookcase

Help us build the collection

Shelf with archival boxes

Collection buzz

You say you want a referendum

Andrew Trigg explores the Library's referenda-related ephemera.

Poster with picture of parrot and text saying 'Don't be taken in by Parrot cries vote No'

All the Will in the world

The 1623 volume, Mr William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies, aka the ‘First Folio’, is 400 years old this year. Why is it so special?

Shakespeare First Folio open on title page featuring a picture of William Shakespeare

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.

Bookcase filled with Ethel Turner works

When Sydney came to town

Architect Nino Sydney gave his adopted city high-end design at an affordable price.

Design for the ‘Beachcomber’ project home, Nino Sydney for Lend Lease Homes, c 1961

Featured events

Dream, imagine and create with Coral Vass and Nicky Johnston

Thursday
Thu 28 Sep 2023
Free
Workshop
Join us to launch Jorn's Magnificent Imagination and discover the inspiration for the Sydney Opera House.
 
text and images from picture book
Onsite

Family research: 7 strategies to get unstuck

Friday
Fri 29 Sep 2023
Free
Workshop

Seven strategies to get your family research ‘unstuck’.

documents letters photographs family history
Online

Rebecca Makkai: I Have Some Questions for You

Tuesday
Tue 17 Oct 2023
Talk
Acclaimed author of The Great Believers, Rebecca Makkai, discusses her new novel I Have Some Questions for You with Laura Brading.
Portrait shot of Rebecca Makkai - a woman with dark brown hair wearing a navy blue shirt and a long silver necklace standing in front of a leafy background.
Onsite

Melissa Lucashenko: Edenglassie

Wednesday
Wed 18 Oct 2023
Talk
Melissa Lucashenko discusses her epic new novel Edenglassie with Daniel Browning.
Headshot of Melissa Lucashenko
Onsite