State Library of New South Wales

The State Library of NSW stands on the timeless sandstone of Gadigal Country.

We acknowledge the many Aboriginal peoples and Nations across the state as the ancient and ongoing custodians of their unceded lands, waters and skies.

We remember that this place sits on Gadigal Country — and is built from it. The sandstone that was mined from below now forms the Library’s walls, but it was once the soft sand on which ancestors walked.

We offer our profound respects to the many generations of Aboriginal Elders, leaders, storytellers, warriors, creators and healers. We are honoured to hold their stories, languages and histories here.

We extend our respect and welcome to everyone who visits the State Library.

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We’re marking the State Library’s 200th Anniversary with a dynamic year-long program of exhibitions, talks, installations and performances.

Join us as we reflect on the surprising and transformative moments that have shaped this extraordinary institution.

Find out more

A person holding a book entitled "The library that made me"

Buy the book

This beautiful new book is a love letter to libraries everywhere.

The Library That Made Me – LIVE

In connection with the State Library’s 200th anniversary book, The Library That Made Me, an illustrious line-up of writers reflect on the libraries that shaped them.

Share your story

We'd love you to share your story of the library — or libraries — that have made a difference in your life.

Stack of opened books on a desk with bookshelf in the background.

NSW History Awards entries open

Join our conference for teachers and librarians

Sydney Writers' Festival events at the Library

Join the Library Book Club

Collection buzz

Discover stories about the history of the Library.

Black and white photo of a room filled with books

The heart of the collection

Discover the origins of the Mitchell Library collection.

A man standing with books shelf behind him

A shorter history of the Library

Mitchell Librarian Richard Neville reflects on how we got here.

A scan of an old, yellowed postcard with cursive writing on it, addressed to someone living in Mosman Bay, Sydney.

Memory institutions and freedom

Read a transcript of the Kim Williams AM 2025 David Scott Mitchell Oration.

The Library at war: 1939 - 1943

While the Nazis had conquered Western Europe in 1940 and threatened Britain’s very existence, the State Library had continued on much as it had before the war.

Library tourism

One way to get a sense of a country’s cultural touchstones is to visit its libraries — both the famous and lesser-known ones.

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Featured events

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March 2026

Tue31

Mervyn Bishop in Conversation

Mervyn Bishop and his biographer Tim Dobbyn sit down with Ronald Briggs for a conversation reflecting on Mervyn’s groundbreaking career as the nation’s first Aboriginal press photographer.

Talks & Ideas
Talk
Free
On Site

Mervyn with Rolleiflex camera at Ted’s Cameras, Sydney 2010s

April 2026

Wed1

The Library Book Club: The First Friend

A book club that celebrates great Australian writing, lively conversation and the joy of reading together.

Talk
On Site

A copy of 'The First Friend' by Malcolm Knox on a table in a bookshop

Tue7

Angela Phippen: Hidden gems from the letters of Rachel Henning

Angela explores Rachel Henning’s original letters and reveals why half of them have never before been publicly available.

Fellows
Talk
Free
Online

Wed8

Curator talk: Collection acquisition highlights from the last year

Discover remarkable new additions to the Library’s collections, from first editions to rare historic maps and paintings, and hear the stories behind them from our expert curators.

Inside the Library
Talk
Free
On Site

Three Library staff looking at collection items including maps and posters