This month we continue reflecting on all things 1975. We’re hosting an incredible panel of trailblazing women examining the feminist movement and the making of the iconic documentary Brazen Hussies. During the school holidays we’re inviting students to travel back in time with us and develop a creative response to the food and fashion of the 1970s.

We are thrilled to welcome the Canberra Writers Festival back to the Library for 2025, beginning with an author talk by acclaimed American novelist Eric Puchner. The main festival kicks off on Friday 24 October with the wonderful Heather Rose in conversation with local author Karen Viggers. Then join us over Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October for a full program of extraordinary discussion and ideas. 

Program

1975: School holiday activity

1 October | 10:30am and 2:30pm | $5

Curious about daily life in the past? Travel back in time to 1975 with the Library’s education team to explore our exhibition and craft a creative response to the food and fashion of the seventies.

Brazen Hussies: Then and now

2 October | 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Free

Catherine Dwyer, Elizabeth Reid, and Biff Ward will sit down with Virginia Haussegger to discuss the evolution of feminism in Australia, and the making of the acclaimed documentary Brazen Hussies. The conversation will be followed by a screening of the 1-hour version of the film.

Author Talk: Dream State by Eric Puchner

7 October | 6:00pm - 7:00pm | $26 - $30

Internationally renowned American novelist Eric Puchner discusses his new book, Dream State, a New York Times Bestseller and Oprah’s Book Club pick. Presented in partnership with the Canberra Writer’s Festival.

Mapping the Unknown

14 October | 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Free

Cartographic historian Chet Van Duzer discusses techniques used by early modern map makers to convey uncertainty about the accuracy of their maps.

Canberra Writers Festival

24 - 26 October | Various times | $25 - $35

The Library hosts over 20 events as part of this year’s Canberra Writers Festival. See big name authors like Trent Dalton and Emily Maguire, unravel crime and mystery, celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and hear from First Nations authors about how their writing is shaped by connections to culture and Country.

Collection viewing: A treasure trove of tales for children

29 October | 5:30pm - 8:00pm | $40 - $45

The Friends of the National Library of Australia present their annual collection viewing event. This year’s focus is on children’s literature – from gumnut babies and magic puddings to Mr Chicken and green sheep. This special evening will start with an introduction from well-known author Stephanie Owen Reeder. 

1975: Living in the Seventies

Exhibition open daily | 9:00am | 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. The exhibition can now be toured online.

Plan your visit

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

Media enquiries

Lauren Conron, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

Phone: 0401 226 697

Email: media@nla.gov.au