Two images on a teal background. On the left a black and white photo of a lady sitting on a picnic rug with her German Shepherd. On the right is an image of the book cover for Australia's Dogs.
Date 6 May 23
Time 12:00pm – 02:00pm
Podium
Free

Who let the dogs out at the National Library of Australia?

In partnership with PhotoAccess ACT, we are celebrating the launch of NLA Publishing's new book, Australia's Dogs with free outdoor 'pawtrait' sessions at the Library.

Dog owners are invited to bring along their furry best friend and strike a pose. You'll be able to take home a printed copy of your photograph, and while you wait for it to be developed, why not explore our Treasures Gallery, have a bite to eat at Bookplate Cafe or buy your very own copy of Australia's Dogs from the Bookshop.

Library staff will also be giving out doggy treats and Bookshop discount vouchers on the day, and in a nod to the day being King Charles III's coronation, any Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who participates will also be presented with a homemade crown.

This outdoors event is free and on a drop in basis – no ticket required – so bring your pooch down to the Library and celebrate all things dogs with us!

About the book

The book cover for Australia's Dogs by Katherine Kovacic, showing 5 bulldogs in an open-topped car.

Australia's Dogs by Katherine Kovacic

Australians love dogs – big dogs, little dogs, fluffy couch potatoes and hardy working dogs. In fact, we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Australia’s Dogs is a celebration of the dog in Australian life, exploring the human-canine bond, and reflecting on the crucial role played by dogs in our life and work. 

Embark on an outback adventure with Francis Birtles and his various faithful canine companions. Discover the incredible endurance of Mawson’s huskies in frozen Antarctica. Learn more about Australia’s home-grown dog breeds that played a central role in the development of pastoral industries, as well as the iconic dingo and its place in Indigenous life, as well as the Australian ecosystem, today. 

Australia’s Dogs is generously illustrated with images drawn from the rich collections of the National Library of Australia. Some simply capture a photographer’s love for their own dog, while others tell epic tales of survival in harsh conditions, comment on an element of social history or record a significant moment. As the incredible variety of images shows, the story of dogs in Australia is a subject that is historically significant, with a broad and enduring appeal. 

Image credit : Swimmer Bonnie Mealing with a German Shepherd Dog, 1930s, nla.obj-162211775

Logo for PhotoAccess which reads 'photo access' in black font on a white background.
Type Special event

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