14 Dec 2023

While we are quickly moving towards the end of the year, there is still a lot happening at the National Library over summer. 

If you haven’t already, or if you want to take another look, our Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation exhibition allows for sports fans and novices alike to dive into Australia’s rich sporting history. Open until 28 January 2024, this free exhibition explores treasured sporting memories and Australia’s sporting culture using a range of books, magazines, paintings, drawings, photographs and memorabilia. If you’re not able to see the exhibition in person, check it out online.

Three people looking at items in display cases and on the walls of a gallery space

If sport isn’t your thing, or you want to see more of our diverse collection, the Treasures Gallery includes all sorts of extraordinary and unique items from history. Over the summer, some of the items on display include a rare oil painting by Ellis Rowan, James Cook’s journal from the Endeavour voyage, Harold Cazneaux’s first camera and items from the Library’s Mabo collection.    

As of 6 December, the Treasures Gallery also features a series of photographs by the iconic Australian photographer William Yang. This collection-in-focus display explores themes of protest, community, art and remembrance through Yang’s photography of Sydney Mardi Gras festivals between 1981 and 2003.

Woman walking through a gallery and looking at a painting of a city street hanging on the wall

In addition to our galleries, stay up to date with the events taking place at the Library over the summer. If you want to catch up on any of our events from earlier in the year for some summer viewing, many of our past events are recorded and available to watch here.  

Throughout the year and over the summer, our lovely volunteers will be running tours for those who want to learn more about the Library, its history and how they can use it, along with showing some of the items on display. These tours are free but bookings are essential, so be sure to book your spot to explore the Library with one of our passionate volunteers. 

We’ve also updated our Library catalogue and how you join the Library. Spend some time browsing our collections with our improved catalogue. 

Before your visit to the Library, please be sure to check our opening hours.

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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