Due to major building activity some of our collections are temporarily unavailable. This means that some requests for deliveries of Library material to the Reading Rooms will not be fulfilled. Please check the catalogue carefully to find out if your selection is impacted.  Learn more

Find everything you need to know before your visit to the Library, including information on accessibility, amenities and visiting with children.


Download the Visitors Guide - English (PDF, 940kb)

Download the Visitors Guide - Simplified Chinese (PDF, 758kb)

Download the Visitors Guide - Hindi (PDF, 686kb)

Speaker 1: A visit to the National Library of Australia is full of surprises 

Speaker 2: You'll find rare items, Aussie icons, and amazing artwork.

Speaker 1: We usually come here to study.

Speaker 2: But there's always an excuse to visit the exhibition galleries.

Speaker 1: Check out the reading room.

Speaker 2: It’s amazing – what a beautiful place to study.

[A sign on the wall lists upcoming events at the Library]

Speaker 1: There's always something going on. 

Speaker 2: And something to eat at the café.

[Speakers are browsing in the bookshop]

Speaker 1: Or something special to buy for someone special.

Speaker 2: Take a look – onsite and online.

An old fashioned pocketwatch in an open position

Opening hours

Find out when you can visit our buildings, reading rooms and other amenities.

National Library building in the morning

Getting to the Library

The Library is located on Parkes Place in central Canberra.

readers in the main reading room at the national library

Getting started

Explore videos, learning resources and frequently asked questions.

Information for families

Read

Share the joy of reading with children. We have a small selection of children’s books in the Main Reading Room—our friendly reading room staff can point you in the right direction. If you’re looking for books to take home, our bookshop has a range of books for everyone. 

Discover

Our exhibitions often include family labels to help children enjoy their visit. Here are some tips:

  • Let children take the lead
  • If they're interested in something, ask questions! How does it make them feel? How do they think it was created? What can we learn from it?
  • If children are still struggling, try playing i-spy.

Learn

Our onsite and online programs offer lifelong learning opportunities, from Library tours to using specific resources and discovering our collection. Our Australian curriculum–based school programs use exhibitions, collections and reading rooms as a springboard for students to find out more about Australian history and culture. Delve into our online Digital Classroom to find resources by year level.

Visit the Digital Classroom

Amenities and Accessibility

The Library has a range of accessibility features, including:

  • Accessible entrance with ramps on the southern side of the building
  • Accessible parking off Parkes Pl
  • Wheelchairs are available for loan from the foyer information desk
  • BindiMaps, an app designed to assist visitors with low vision or blindness to navigate the building
  • Visual aids available in the Main Reading Room
  • Hearing induction loop in the theatre
  • Free WiFi and powerpoints available throughout the building
  • A Parents Room located on the Lower Ground level
  • Free lockers available for use on the Lower Ground level

Find detailed accessibility information