National Library of Australia

National Library of Australia Explore Australia’s stories with free services, exhibitions and events—online and in-person 📚
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We collect, protect and provide access to millions of physical items and billions of digital records about Australia and Australians and will continue to do so into the future. We work with libraries throughout Australia to give you access to library collections and services, and to Trove. Visit us in Canberra or online and use our services, see an exhibition, or attend an event. This Facebook pag

e is moderated as per The National Library of Australia's social media and online community guidelines: https://www.nla.gov.au/about-us/about-site/social-media-and-online-community-guidelines

05/09/2026

Introducing Bird Park, the companion publication to the hugely popular Dog Beach (2025) from the powerhouse creative team of Julie Murphy and Annie White Illustration

How many species of birds will you spot?

Bird Park releases 1 November. Pre-order your copy today: https://brnw.ch/21x5spo

04/09/2026

Another sneak peak of one of our stunning new children’s books coming soon from NLA Publishing!

Paddle Steamer Pearl by @[MOCK]Neridah McMullin, with amazing mixed-media illustrations by Jessica Corkran, is inspired by the story of Australia’s first female river boat captain. This rollicking adventure story is perfect for readers aged 5+.

Releasing 1 November, pre-order your copy now: https://brnw.ch/21x5qLi

[Video description: Video shows text and illustrations from the new children’s book Paddle Steamer Pearl, featuring a river boat full of goods for trade and a young girl and her family who live onboard.]

Spring is here, and the countdown to Floriade is officially on 🌷There are plenty of exciting things happening at the Lib...
03/09/2026

Spring is here, and the countdown to Floriade is officially on 🌷

There are plenty of exciting things happening at the Library this season, including special menu items at Bookplate, a wonderful new installation on the Bookshop window, children’s activities in the Main Reading Room and more.

Plan your visit to the Library this spring: https://brnw.ch/21x5oP7

[Image description: A stack of pancakes sits on a table with a purple drink, books and a colourful glass window in the background.]

02/09/2026

Today, on Indigenous Literacy Day, we're celebrating the power of First Languages, stories and books in strengthening culture, identity and community.

At our recent ‘Strength in our stories’ event, The Indigenous Literacy Foundation CEO Ben Bowen reflected on the remarkable legacy of the ‘Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre’ exhibition and the enduring power of storytelling in connecting generations, preserving language and empowering young people.

We acknowledge and thank the many authors, illustrators, Elders, language workers and communities who continue to create, share and sustain stories that keep culture strong.

You can watch the full event recording on our website now: https://brnw.ch/21x5mIG

Video description: Indigenous Literacy Foundation CEO Ben Bowen speaking at a lectern.

Today we welcome a new children’s book from NLA Publishing, Fight for the Franklin.Written by Jane Jolly with stunning i...
01/09/2026

Today we welcome a new children’s book from NLA Publishing, Fight for the Franklin.

Written by Jane Jolly with stunning illustrations by Lois Bury, this fictionalised narrative account of Australia’s most significant environmental protest will educate and inspire young readers. Join Fern and her Grandpa as he recalls his time in the protest camp, campaigning to stop Tasmania’s Franklin River from being dammed. How will you stand up for the environment?

Order your copy today: https://brnw.ch/21x5kUl

[Image description 1: The Fight for the Franklin book cover features protestors in yellow rubber boats on a river with a young girl and older man looking on.

Image description 2: Internal pages of The Fight for the Franklin feature illustrations of a young girl and older man dancing. The opposite page features a group of people joining hands around a large tree in a sun-dappled forest.]

We don’t need an excuse to post a beautiful artwork from Ellis Rowan but it just so happens to be National Wattle Day!So...
31/08/2026

We don’t need an excuse to post a beautiful artwork from Ellis Rowan but it just so happens to be National Wattle Day!

So, for your viewing pleasure, here is Ellis Rowan’s ‘Acacia pycnantha Benth., family Fabaceae, or golden wattle’ from the late nineteenth century.

See it in person in our Treasures Gallery: https://brnw.ch/21x5kEN

Or find it and hundreds more of Ellis Rowan's works on Trove: https://brnw.ch/21x5kEO

31/08/2026

Hot off the press! A new Collection in Focus display is coming soon to our Treasures Gallery.

‘Regional Rivalries: Sport, spectacle and community in regional Australia’ celebrates the diversity of Australian sporting culture through unique and unexpected competitions and events.

See the display in person from Tuesday 22 September or online via the virtual exhibition coming soon: https://brnw.ch/21x5jq6

[Video description: Woman presenting to camera, interspersed with video of large photographs of people competing in various sports being printed and laid on a table, and a slideshow of several sports photos.]

Earlier this year, Dr Matthew Lamb joined is at the Library as a 2026 National Library of Australia Fellow, supported by...
30/08/2026

Earlier this year, Dr Matthew Lamb joined is at the Library as a 2026 National Library of Australia Fellow, supported by the Ray Mathew and Eva Kollsman Trust for Research in Australian Literature.

His research uncovers the childhood and adolescent works of legendary Australian writer Frank Moorhouse, using our rich collection of his personal papers.

Discover the early ideas, creativity and imagination behind his literary journey in our blog: https://www.library.gov.au/news-media/ramble-through-mind-adolescent

[Image description: A man with glasses in a light blue button-down shirt and jeans leaning over a desk with papers and books in the Library's Special Collections Reading Room.]

28/08/2026

Looking for a gift for the dad who already has enough socks?

Stop by the Bookshop and explore a range of gifts, from books and puzzles to cards, stationery and more.

Visit us in-store 9am to 5pm, or browse online: https://brnw.ch/21x5iiX

We’re sporting our best purple outfits and accessories for Wear It Purple Day 💜 Each year on the last Friday of August, ...
28/08/2026

We’re sporting our best purple outfits and accessories for Wear It Purple Day 💜

Each year on the last Friday of August, Wear It Purple Day seeks to support LGBTQIA+SB young people, celebrate inclusivity and foster safe environments.

The Library is one such safe space that is open to everyone.

Learn about our spaces and plan your next visit to the Library: https://brnw.ch/21x5gyk



[Image description: Twelve National Library staff members wearing purple clothes and smiling in the Kid’s Corner of the Main Reading Room.]

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