Become a Friend
Support the National Library and make new Friends today
Friends of the National Library of Australia share a passion for the Library and its collections. The Friends promote and support the Library and the contribution it makes to our society. In return, the Library recognises the Friends as an integral part of its community and gives the Friends access to the inside story of the Library, its treasures, exhibitions and special programs.
Friends work together to encourage support for the National Library and its wonderful collections and resources. In recent years, Friends have:
- Presented lectures and events, promoting scholarship and public debate on topical issues
- Sponsored creative arts and staff fellowships
- Gifted artworks for the Library's Reading Room
- Supported the digitisation of various treasures from the Library's collection.
Friends host a varied program of events each year, bringing visitors to the Library to meet like-minded people, explore Library offerings and discover the riches of the collection. Events are held in person and online. You can view recordings of previous events on YouTube.
Benefits of being a Friend
Friends enjoy a number of benefits at the National Library and at a range of businesses and organisations Australia-wide.
National Library of Australia Bookshop
15% discount on in-store and online purchases at the National Library of Australia Bookshop (excluding discounted or remaindered stock, limited edition prints, postage stamps, vouchers, copy cards, magazines and newspapers)
Friends also receive quarterly special offers on new publications.
*20% discount applies from 1 September 2024, for the duration of the closure of the Friends Lounge.
Bookplate Restaurant and Paperplate Cafe
20% discount on all purchases at the Bookplate Restaurant and Paperplate Cafe
Access the exclusive Friends Lounge
The heritage Nan Kivell Room on Level 2.
*Please note the Lounge will be temporarily closed from 1 September 2024, for up to one year, due to building improvement works taking place in and around the space. Members will be kept informed about the progress of the works.
Exclusive Friends updates
Receive weekly eNews updates and a quarterly newsletter featuring extended content and articles from Friends members and Library staff.
Access to special events
Invitation-only events and special opportunities including the flagship 'White Gloves' event where Friends get up close to rarely seen items from the Library's collection.
National Trust ACT
Discounts on National Trust events and tours. Bookings via phone or email and presentation of Friends membership card.
Website: National Trust ACT
Paperchain Bookstore
10% off on cash purchases and 7.5% on card purchases when presenting a valid Friends of the National Library card.
Friends of the State Library of South Australia
- Access to members lounge
- Discounts for functions
- Member price for events
- Discount on FSLSA publications
Website: Friends of the State Library of South Australia
Friends of the State Library of NSW
- Discounts for events listed in SLNSW What's On Brochure
- 10% discount at the Library Shop
- Access to the members lounge
Website: Friends of the State Library of NSW
Friends of the State Library of Victoria
- 10% off food and beverage at Mr Tulk and Guild cafes
- 10% off all full-priced books at Readings State Library
- Members prices on paid events
Website: Friends of the State Library of Victoria
Art Gallery of NSW
- Access to the members lounge
- Members price tickets to paid exhibitions and events
- Members priced menu at the Members Lounge
Website: Art Gallery of NSW
* Membership benefits are subject to change at any time without notice
Contact us
If you would like more information about the Friends or require assistance purchasing a membership online, please email us or phone the Friends Office on (02) 6262 1698.
Please note that our office is staffed part-time and we are not always immediately contactable. Please leave us a voice message or send an email and we will get in touch within 3 business days.
