Our March event program brings science, history, biography and art to the Library, along with a healthy sprinkle of Shakespeare.

“When groundbreaking cancer treatments save 50% of patients, what happens to the other half?”

“Does history have a future in Canberra?”

“How do biographers unlock the secrets behind a public life?”

“What does Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar tell us about our past, present and future?”

These questions and more will be explored through this month’s lectures and author talks.

Program

2026 Ann Moyal Lecture: Professor Georgina Long AO

19 March | 6:00pm | Free

World leading melanoma researcher and 2024 Joint Australian of the Year Prof Georgina Long AO delivers the fourth annual Ann Moyal Lecture.

Canberra Day Oration: Frank Bongiorno AM

12 March | 6:00pm | Free

The Canberra & District Historical Society presents the 2026 Canberra Day Oration.

Discovering the real Gough Whitlam: Troy Bramston on writing a life

24 March | 6.00pm | $15-$30

The Friends of the Library present Troy Bramston, senior writer with The Australian, discussing the process and craft of writing a biography.

A deep dive into Julius Caesar

26 March | 6:30pm | $15-$20

Dr Kate Flaherty and Bell Shakespeare present a special illustrated lecture on the enduringly relevant Julius Caesar.

Book launch – Double Act: Eirene Mort & Nora Kate Weston

2 March | 6:00pm | Free

Dr Sylvia Martin’s moving dual biography explores the remarkable lives of two prominent Australian artists.

This is Us: poetry excursion for schools

26 March | 10:00am | $5 for students, free for teachers

Celebrate Australian poetry through inspiring activities and workshops with three contemporary poets as we dive into NLA Publishing’s new poetry anthology.

Author talk: Universality by Natasha Brown

4 March | 6:00pm | $26-$30

Canberra Writers Festival presents one of the most exciting voices in contemporary British fiction.

Author talk: Bring Back Yesterday by Bob Carr

20 March | 6:00pm | $26-$30

Former NSW Premier Bob Carr speaks candidly about his deeply personal memoir. Presented by Canberra Writers Festival.

Keeping the peace of the realm with Dr Samuel White

17 March | 12:30pm | Free

Dr Samuel White presents his recent Fellowship research focused on the decision-making processes behind deploying troops in Australia.

1975: Living in the Seventies

Closing 9 March | Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm | Free entry

1975 was a year of transition. Music, art, fashion, literature and film transformed the way we saw the world, while protest and political upheaval changed society. This exhibition delves into the Library’s collections to examine what it was really like to live in the seventies.

Plan your visit

We’re continuing to make improvements to our much-loved heritage building. Find everything you need to know before you visit via our website.

Media enquiries

Lauren Conron, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

Phone: 0401 226 697

Email: media@nla.gov.au