State Library of New South Wales

Welcome to the State Library of New South Wales, the oldest library in Australia and a cornerstone of the nation's intellectual and cultural life. As you stand here, you are on the ancestral lands of the Gadigal people of the…

As you approach the entrance on Shakespeare Place, take a moment to look for the statue of Matthew Flinders. He is a pivotal figure in Australian history, credited with being the first to circumnavigate the continent and…

We now enter the magnificent Mitchell Reading Room, arguably the most iconic space within the library. The scale of this room is truly breathtaking; the walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that seem to go on forever. …

Beyond the reading rooms, the State Library houses several dedicated gallery spaces that host rotating exhibitions. These exhibitions are designed to bring the library's vast collection to life, using artifacts, paintings, and…

The State Library is also deeply committed to the next generation of readers and researchers. The Children's Library is a vibrant, welcoming space specifically designed for young people. …

For a contrast to the historic Mitchell Wing, we move into the Macquarie Wing. This part of the library is modern and functional, housing the main reference collections, computer facilities, and administrative offices. …

After exploring the interior of the library, many visitors find it refreshing to spend some time in the surrounding green spaces. Directly behind the library is the Domain, a large public park that offers a great spot for lunch…

As you conclude your visit to the State Library of New South Wales, I hope you leave with a sense of the profound depth and breadth of the stories preserved here. This institution is more than a building; it is a collective…