The National Library of Australia’s new Treasures Gallery exhibition, opening on Saturday 13 December, invites visitors to learn the story of the Library and its vast collections. 

Opening with a behind the scenes look into the Library’s work and stacks – shelving areas storing collection material which aren’t visible to the public, but are often asked about – you will then find the answer to the question, Where Is the Green Sheep?

Spoiler alert, not fast asleep as the book would have us believe but sitting in first draft form at the Library in the Treasures Gallery. The artwork depicting the ‘Bed Sheep’ by Judy Horacek accompanies this display paying homage to the beloved children’s book. 

While there is plenty on display for the literary buff, including pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio, a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar, and the original sheet music composed for Waltzing Matilda by Christina Macpherson, the Treasures Gallery goes beyond books. 

Woven throughout the Gallery are stories and items reflective of the lives of everyday people.

These include a tactile map of Australia embossed with Braille script from 1889; phrenologist and fortune-teller Zinga Lee’s fortune telling cards; the November 1990 issue of the Matakali Tonga newsletter from the Tongan Ethnic Association of Queensland; Melway’s Greater Perth Street Directory from 2010; a selection of self-published zines; and a display of The Wiggles’ websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive. 

Highlights from the nation’s photo album are also on display, including images of Diwali celebrations, balls, share house residents, and the 27 brides over 64 years who wore the Lockhart family’s wedding veil.

The Treasures Gallery was originally opened in 2011, established partly through philanthropic support.

National Library exhibition curator Dr Grace Blakeley-Carroll is looking forward to welcoming people back to the Treasures Gallery. 

The Mabo v Queensland (No. 2) display, curated by Edward Mabo’s daughter Gail exploring the 30th anniversary of the Mabo decision, will return to the gallery for its reopening.

From Saturday 13 December, the National Library of Australia Treasures Gallery will be open from 9am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December). Entry is free, no bookings required.    

Media kit

Images for media use available for download via Dropbox

Media enquiries

Georgia McDonald, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

Phone: 0401 226 697

Email: media@nla.gov.au