Planning a visit to the Library around Christmas or New Year? Be sure to check our summer opening hours, from Saturday 23 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive.

Reading rooms

Collection deliveries cease at 4:30 pm on Friday 22 December 2023.

Requests made on or after Friday 15 December 2023 will be kept on the reading room reserve shelves until close of business on Sunday 7 January 2024.

Collection deliveries resume on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
 

Bookplate

At Bookplate, catch up with friends and family over coffee, brunch or lunch. You can escape the heat and sit indoors semi-surrounded by the Library’s iconic stained-glass windows or admire Lake Burley Griffin and enjoy the sunshine from the outdoor terrace.

Bookshop

Whether you need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping or get prepared with some summer reading material, the Bookshop is full of diverse Australian stories and unique gifts.

Galleries

In the Exhibition Gallery, Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation takes you on a journey through Australia's rich sporting history. From local and grassroots events to some of Australia's biggest sporting moments and athletic heroes, this exhibition is a treat for sports experts and novices alike.

In the Treasures Gallery, see some of the Library’s most unique, unexpected and significant items. From Wednesday 6 December, the Treasures Gallery will also feature a collection-in-focus display exploring William Yang's photography of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras between 1981 and 2003.

Library building and Friends Lounge

Friends of the Library are welcome to read or relax in the Friends Lounge on Level 2.

Discover your National Library tours

Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers will be running our Discover your National Library tours at 11 am throughout the holiday period. These tours are free, but booking are essential.

We look forward to seeing you!

Before visiting the Library, make sure you plan your visit. If you’re visiting us sooner, check our regular opening hours.