Mark McKenna sits down with Frank Bongiorno to discuss Mark’s new book and how it came together at the National Library of Australia. In The Shortest History of Australia, Mark McKenna offers a compelling new version of our national story. This is a modern Australia permeated by First Nations history; a multicultural society with an […]
Join 2025 National Library of Australia Fellow, Dr Alexis Bergantz, to discuss his recent Fellowship research focused on the history of the South Pacific Commission. In 1947, Australia helped establish the South Pacific Commission (SPC, now the Pacific Community) to promote cooperation and improve the welfare of Pacific peoples. Based in Noumea, it was the […]
Luke Styles, one of Australia’s leading and most widely performed international composers, joins the Library for an evening of music and conversation as we explore the collection of Luke’s works held in the collection. Luke Styles is joined by musical collaborator Tobias Cole to discuss Luke’s work, his career and the role the Library plays […]
Tony Wheeler (founder of Lonely Planet) and historian Dr Daniel Oakman join the Library’s Rebecca Fleming in conversation, drawing on the National Library’s incredible collections to discuss all things cycling. From small commutes to epic journeys, home-made contraptions to technical wizardry, come and hear why cycling remains one of the world’s most popular and enjoyable […]
Dr Elisa DeCourcy is joined by Shona Coyne, Professor Brenda L Croft and Professor Emerita Helen Ennis, in conversation about their work on the histories of colonial photography for the celebration of her book 'Early Photography in Colonial Australia'. Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential. Book signings and refreshments to follow […]
Film and theatre legend Jim Sharman – the renowned director of more than 70 productions including 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' – chats with National Film and Sound Archive curator Hannah De Feyter about his incredible career at the National Library of Australia. Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential. The discussion […]
Join the festive cheer with joyful discounts and late night shopping at the National Library Bookshop! Instore shoppers will receive a 20% discount* storewide and up to 50% off selected items. A gift-wrapping service will also be available. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, explore the Bookshop’s specialist range of Australian books […]
Join the festive cheer with joyful discounts and late night shopping at the Bookshop! Instore shoppers will receive a 20% discount* storewide and up to 50% off selected items. A gift-wrapping service will also be available. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, explore our specialist range of Australian books and gifts that […]
Join Prof Matthew Spriggs for a discussion about his recent Fellowship research focused on the indigenous languages of Vanuatu. Prof Matthew Spriggs is a 2025 National Library of Australia Fellow. Entry to this event is free, but bookings are essential. The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and the Library’s Events […]
The Friends of the National Library present two multi-talented award-winning authors in conversation – Alison Goodman and Sue Williams. Alison and Sue will be joined by Professor Kate Mitchell from the Australian National University to explore the craft of historical fiction writing. Together they will untangle the role of research, character development, crafting fictitious worlds […]
Join Dr Anna Kent for a discussion about her recent Fellowship research focused on Australia’s international education history. Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential. The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and the Library’s Events team will send you a direct link to the livestream event via […]
Throughout history, famous writers have loved and been inspired by their cats. Author and expert Susannah Fullerton explores notable literary felines in her latest book 'Great Writers & the Cats Who Owned Them'.