What's On in October 2026 at the National Library
We’re asking big questions this month at the Library as our spring program gets into full swing:
- Does representation in literature still matter?
- What has changed over centuries of exploration and discovery in Antarctica?
- What is your favourite Australian book?
We hear from award-winning Tongan-Australian author and general manager of Sweatshop Literacy Movement, Winnie Dunn, as she delivers this year’s Ray Mathew Lecture.
Library curators sit down with Antarctic expeditioners to uncover some of the amazing treasures within our Antarctic collection.
The Canberra Writers Festival takes over the Library from 15 – 18 October, featuring over 35 author events and a new spotlight on children’s and young adult literature. You won’t want to miss the listening party for ABC Radio National’s Top 100 Australian Books Countdown! Join us to enjoy the excitement of the live countdown and see if your favourite book takes the top spot.
Felicity Jenkins, Expeditioners form a line on the sea ice off Davis Station to farewell the Aurora Australis and wintering expeditioners returning home, Antarctica, 1998, nla.obj-144071241
Felicity Jenkins, Expeditioners form a line on the sea ice off Davis Station to farewell the Aurora Australis and wintering expeditioners returning home, Antarctica, 1998, nla.obj-144071241
What else is on?
2026 Ray Mathew Lecture
1 Oct | 6:00pm | Free, in-person and online
Beginning with Western Sydney as both her home and a microcosm of multicultural Australia, Winnie aims to examine the original promise of representation in literature, who made it and why, and whether it has delivered.
Antarctica: Journeys on the ice
10 Oct | 10:00am | Free, in-person and online
Curators from the National Library of Australia join Antarctic station leader Rebecca Jeffcoat and expeditioner Stephanie Pfennigwerth on a journey through our extensive Antarctic collections.
Special event: Pasifika Film Fest 2026
10 Oct | 2:00pm | Free
Enjoy an afternoon of culture, history and connection as we host a special screening of Remathau: People of the Ocean, and a short documentary feature Tales of the Diaspora.
Floriade at the Library
Until 11 Oct | Daily
It’s a feast of flowers with free children’s activities in the reading room and specially crafted menu items at Bookplate. Plus, browse our Bookshop for the best in nature-themed books and gifts.
Canberra Writers Festival
15 - 18 Oct | Various times, free and paid events
Celebrate all things books and reading at this year’s special 10th anniversary festival.
Visual journalling for library lovers
7 Oct | 2:00pm | $30-$35
The Friends of the Library present a relaxed, hands-on workshop where you’ll discover how to combine simple sketches, handwritten notes and colour to create your own visual journal.
Story Dogs on Sunday
25 Oct | 11:00am | Free
Drop in on the last Sunday of every month for a paw-sitive reading experience with trained volunteers and their accredited dogs.
North Korea's third world diplomacy through culture and art
26 Oct | 12:30pm | Free, in-person and online
Dr Shine Choi presents her Fellowship research focusing on North Korea’s connections with the visions of the global world.
Suzanne Belamy and the Australian women's liberation movement
29 Oct | 12:30pm | Free, in-person and online
Filmmaker and historian Catherine Dwyer presents her Fellowship research on feminist, artist, writer and teacher Suzanne Bellamy.
Drawing the line: Geoff Pryor and David Pope in conversation
29 Oct | 6:00pm | Free, in-person and online
The Canberra Times presents Geoff Pryor and David Pope, with Sally Pryor as they compare experiences, debate the impact of changing tools, and explore what remains at the heart of political cartooning.
Regional Rivalries: Sport, spectacle and community in regional Australia
Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm until September 2027 | Free, no bookings necessary
This new display in the Treasures Gallery showcases unique and emerging sports and competitions played across Australia. Lawn mower racing, anyone?
Wangka Wakanutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre
Major exhibition extended until 31 January | Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm | Free, no bookings necessary
Visit the exhibition to explore the incredible literary and artistic significance of Papunya, in the Western Desert region of the Northern Territory.
Media enquiries
Lauren Conron, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia
Phone: 0401 226 697
Email: media@nla.gov.au
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