There is magic and possibility when people gather to be entertained, challenged, moved, transported or uplifted by a story told in real time, through sound and movement.

The Oral History and Folklore collection records the voices that describe our cultural, intellectual and social life.

There’s no business like show business, and this exhibition brings Australia’s performing arts history into the limelight.

1534 children's books written by Australians, with significant Australian content, or with an Australian as one of the main characters, published between 1813 and 1981. They include novels, short stories, picture books, plays, poetry and non-fiction books.

3099 books & pamphlets, plus modern facsimile editions of medieval manuscripts with a strength in English philology, including English dialects, as well as European poetry, novels, literature, and religion.

What you can access online and how to access it

Accessing the collections onsite

The volunteer program offers the community an opportunity to play an active role in supporting and promoting the work of the Library.

Find opening hours for the building, cafes, shop, reading rooms and more.

Our Oral History and Folklore Collection dates back to the 1950’s and includes a rich and diverse collection of interviews and recordings with Australians from all walks of life.