23 Feb 2023
The front of the National Library of Australia, lit up with images and lights. There are big light up letters in front of the building that spell out 'Enlighten'.
2022 Enlighten at the National Library

It’s all happening at the National Library this March! Highlights from our events program include our after-hours Enlighten activities, the latest instalment of our Deadly Dialogues series and a fabulously fun WorldPride story time.

Program

  • Enlighten at the National Library
    Friday 3 March – Monday 13 March | 8.00pm to 11.00pm
    The National Library will once again be illuminated with lights and sounds for the 2023 Enlighten Festival.

    Friday and Saturday 3-4 and 10-11 March | 6.00pm to 10.00pm
    We’re extending our opening hours on Friday and Saturday evenings between 3-13 March 2023 with a program running throughout our building to entertain all ages.

    Outside our front door, the Library will be transformed into a lawn where you can play giant lawn games, learn to hula hoop, get your face painted or watch a skipping rope demonstration from Jazzy Jumpers. Grab a bite to eat from one of the food stalls (including gelato, glow fairy floss and hot dogs) and sit back and relax in one of our lawn picnic spots as you watch the projections.

    Our foyer will be transformed into a fabulous jazz lounge, where you can meet friends and catch up before exploring our exhibition galleries. Bookplate Cafe will be open on these evenings and will also be offering a special Enlighten festival menu at their pop-up stall outside.

    Head to our board games library in the Main Reading Room and play an old favourite or try something new (anyone for Sushi Go?). Before you leave, pop into our Bookshop and pick up a board game of your own to take home and play with family and friends.
     

  • Deadly Dialogues: Photographers in conversation
    Thursday 9 March | 6.00pm to 7.30pm
    Join us for a conversation of First Nations photographers with Uncle Mervyn Bishop, Prof. Wayne Quilliam, Aunty Barbara McGrady, Tiffany Garvie, Michael Jalaru Torres and Tamati Smith. The conversation will be facilitated by Ian RT Colless from the National Gallery of Australia.
     
  • WorldPride story time
    Saturday 11 March | 3.00pm to 4.30pm
    Celebrate WorldPride and Enlighten Festival's Pride Weekend with story time at the Library! Expect a fabulously fun time in our Foyer with drag king Guy Alias and drag queen Dolli with an i.
     
  • Canberra Day Oration 2023
    Sunday 12 March | 12.00pm to 1.00pm
    The Canberra & District Historical Society proudly presents the 2023 Canberra Day Oration with Dr Ken Heffernan.
     
  • Learning webinar: Women in leadership
    Wednesday 29 March | 1.00pm to 2.00pm
    Delve into our collections with our Research Librarians and uncover the histories of Australian women in leadership. 
     
  • Meet the Author: Allen Mawer in conversation with Martin Woods
    Wednesday 29 March | 5.30pm to 6.30pm
    In his new book East by West, Allen Mawer closely examines the historical sources, charts and eyewitness records, considering afresh what we know of Ferdinand Magellan and the details of his famous voyage. This is a Friends of the National Library of Australia event, also open to non-members.

See the full list of what’s currently on at the Library: https://www.nla.gov.au/whats-on

For more information about each event and to book, please visit the relevant event webpages.

To arrange an interview with a spokesperson about any event, please contact 0401 226 697 or media@nla.gov.au

What's on at the Library

 

Contact 

Mirelle O’Mara, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia  

M: 0401 226 697

E: media@nla.gov.au 

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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