World of the book has gone virtual!

Explore World of the book from just about anywhere with the launch of our new virtual tour.

You can now see this one-of-a-kind exhibition in the Library’s Dome Galleries or from your lounge room.

World of the book features more than 200 never-before-exhibited items on the history of book design, production and illustration from the Middle Ages to today, including a 19th-century boxed set of Jane Austen’s complete works; a reflection on the Civil Rights Movement by Martin Luther King Jr; and rare pirated editions of James JoyceEzra PoundSylvia PlathBob Dylan and Philip Roth.

Rethink the role of medicine at Spark: biotechnology

Audience seated around long dining tables at Spark: adaptation event, facing the stage where panelists are seated with a screen projecting the words 'Spark: adaptation' behind them

Part lecture. Part panel discussion. Part conversation.

What role will medicine will play in the future as it becomes increasingly personalised? Could we harness our individual genetic traits to create customised medical solutions?

In the second of this series, we turn our minds to transforming our relationship with medicine to make it about prevention not cure, at Spark: biotechnology.

Hosted by Rwandan-British composer and storyteller Stéphanie Kabanyana Kanyandekwe, the night will begin with a provocative lecture from science and technology storytellers Future Crunch. A panel of experts will then discuss and debate the topics raised. Then it is over to you to continue the conversation at your table.

Spark: biotechnology
Wednesday 27 April
7pm–10pm
$35

 Hear from Astrid Edwards & Virginia Gay at the 2022 Stella Prize shortlist

We’re excited to announce The Garret‘s Astrid Edwards will host this exclusive showcase of the 2022 Stella Prize shortlist, while renowned actress Virginia Gay will perform readings from the shortlisted books. 

Now in its tenth year, the Stella Prize has become an indispensable part of Australia’s literary culture, celebrating the work of women and non-binary writers, driving book sales, sparking book clubs and influencing the conversation around gender equity.

The autumn Literary Preview, presented in partnership with Readings and the Stella Prize, will treat book lovers to an exclusive look at the books in the running for the $50,000 literary award.

Readings Literary Preview: Celebrating the Stella Prize shortlist
Tuesday 5 April
6.30pm–8pm
FREE

What’s on

Author Michelle de Kretser in front of a book shelf

Salon Series – this week!

Friday 25 March

Hear from artists who push boundaries including Michelle de Kretser, who will discuss her new novel Scary Monsters

Book now

 
Author Maxine Beneba Clarke smiling in front of a bookshelf filled with books

Gandel Storytelling workshop: Maxine Beneba Clarke 

Saturday 2 April

Your style, your individuality: learn how to write you at this workshop for kids aged 9-12.

Book now

 
Archival black and white image of two people looking at newspapers from the Library collection

Newsworthy

Tuesday 5 April

Learn how to navigate the Library’s extensive newspaper collection in this interactive, online session. 

Book now

 
Headshot of author Alicia Sometimes alongside white text on black background that reads 'Science writing'

Teen Writing Bootcamp: science writing

26 April & 3, 10, 17 May

Learn how to infuse your poetry, essays and stories with scientific concepts in our online bootcamps.

Book now

Plan ahead before you visit

The Library is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Be sure to check in, and be kind to our staff. Visit our website for more information on how to make the most of your visit.


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