'Tis almost the season to curl up with a blanket, cup of tea and a good book. We've got plenty of good books to recommend, but while the last few rays of sun light up our golden leafy exterior, you may like to make the most of what's on at the Library!
Onsite
Events
For those who have young people to entertain over the school holidays, book now for one of our Stage Design workshops on Wednesday 20 April, inspired by our current exhibition On Stage. There is a morning and an afternoon session of the same workshop which will see participants take inspiration from the Library's performing arts collections to create their own costumes and stage designs for a play or performance using common craft materials.
On Thursday 21 April, hear from National Library Fellow, Associate Professor Sharon Crozier-de Rosa, in Memory Keepers. Crozier-de Rosa will present findings from her research into women activists' and women's organisations' strategies to preserve history, specifically their own histories, until wider social shifts allowed their memories public visibility. Bookings are essential for this free event. This event will also be livestreamed via the Library's Facebook page.
Later in the month join us for a special event on Friday 29 April at an evening with Lo Carmen.
Over a two-course dinner in Bookplate with Contentious Character matched wines, learn more about this critically acclaimed artist's story which will include an intimate musical performance of songs featured in her debut memoir, Lovers Dreamers Fighters. Those interested in purchasing a copy of Lo's book can get a 20% discount by using the code Mimic The Rain when shopping online at the National Library Bookshop.
Can't stay for dinner? Attend Lo Carmen's author talk hosted by Beejay Silcox, a Canberra-based writer and literary critic.
Coming up later in May, join the Friends of the National Library to attend the Vintage Knits book launch or tune in remotely via live screenings in our Theatre to sessions from the Sydney Writers' Festival on Friday 20 May, Saturday 21 May and Sunday 22 May.
Exhibitions
Our Exhibition Galleries are open 9am–5pm every day except Good Friday (Friday 15 April). Entry is free and you do not need to book a ticket.
Let the Library entertain you with On Stage: Spotlight on Our Performing Arts, the exhibition bringing Australia's performing arts into the limelight. Come along and explore a fascinating retrospective on stage performance in Australia, as told through our unique collections. The exhibition runs until Sunday 7 August 2022.
Roll up, roll up to the Library's Treasures Gallery while you're here. As well as coming face-to-face with some of the most unexpected and unique items in the Library's 10-million-items-and-counting collection, you'll be able to run away and join the circus with collection-in-focus exhibition, Circus: Roll up, roll up! On show until Sunday 19 June, this smaller exhibition features posters, images and memorabilia from the Vivian James Carter Collection – a collection that documents the circus industry across the twentieth century.
Keep an eye on our What's on page for the latest events and announcements of upcoming exhibitions. New events are added regularly.
When planning your visit, be sure to check our opening hours on public holidays in April.
Online
Like the comfy corner of the couch, we're always here for you.
Our online resources can help you research your favourite subject, support your side-hustle or teach you something.
Explore the Library's collections online from home via Trove, the National Library catalogue and eResources; discover free online learning resources aligned with the Australian Curriculum in our Digital Classroom; read our latest blogs; or head over to the Library's YouTube channel and catch up on the latest learning webinars and events.
