What’s on in November 2024 at the National Library

Published on 22 Oct 2024

Media release

Rare instruments, a creative love story and celebrating dogs – there really is something for everyone at the Library this month!

The launch of our new children’s book, Dog Beach, brings Story Dog reading circles and puppy-themed crafts to our Foyer for a fun family day.

In case our adult visitors feel like they’re missing out, there’s chances to explore brilliant maps, learn about iconic Australian artists and hear more about the Indian diaspora in Australia

Cover detail from the front cover of the book 'Dog Beach' showing dogs playing on a beach

Program

Book launch: Charles & Barbara Blackman by Christabel Blackman

Tuesday 5 November| 6.00pm to 7.30pm | Free

Join Christabel Blackman in conversation with Jeremy Thomas as they discuss Christabel's book, Charles & Barbara Blackman: A Decade of Art and Love. In this intimate and immersive account, Christabel reveals her parents’ unswerving devotion and blazing creativity, and shares insights into the iconic people they became.

Strings and Things: Friends collection viewing

Thursday 7 November| 5.30pm to 7.30pm | $50 Friends Members; $60 Non-members

Come and listen to Library curator Dr Susannah Helman talk about some highlights and unexpected gems from the Library's music collections and see some of the items on display for one night only.

Dog Beach book launch: Tales and tails with Story Dogs

Saturday 9 November | 10.00am to 2.00pm | Free

Join us and Story Dogs for a family day to celebrate the launch of the National Library’s latest picture book Dog Beach. Sit in on a Story Dog reading circle, hear from the author and illustrator of Dog Beach and participate in puppy-themed crafts and activities. Bookings are essential as places are limited.

Mother India: Gender and the diaspora

Tuesday 12 November | 6.00pm to 7.15pm | Free

A panel of special guests will explore the issues faced by Australian women with Indian heritage. The panel includes the editor of Growing up Indian in Australia, Aarti Betigeri, and selected contributors from the book.

The unpublished Fleurieu chart with Patrick Llewellyn

Tuesday 26 November | 6.00pm to 7.00pm | Free

Visiting researcher Patrick Llewellyn will present a lecture on the unpublished Fleurieu chart and why dozens of French names dot Australia's coastline. This special event will include a display of the map and the marine chronometers from the two expeditions that resulted in the maps creation. Never before have chronometers from both expeditions been displayed together anywhere in the world.

Australia's Journey with the World Bank with Dr Nicholas Ferns

Wednesday 27 November | 12.30pm to 1.30pm | Free

Join Dr Nicholas Ferns as he presents a lecture on his 2024 National Library Fellowship research into the history of the relationship between Australia and the World Bank, with a particular focus on the connections between international finance and national development.

Book launch – Max Dupain: A Portrait by Helen Ennis

Thursday 28 November | 6.00pm to 7.30pm | Free

Helen Ennis will be in conversation with journalist Alex Sloan to discuss Ennis's latest book, Max Dupain: A Portrait.

For more information about each event and bookings please visit the relevant event webpages.

To arrange an interview with a spokesperson about any event, please contact 0401 226 697 or media@nla.gov.au.