Venue hire
Throughout 2024 and 2025, our much-loved heritage building is undergoing some necessary improvements. During this time, venue hire availability will be limited.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to working with you to host your event in the future.
Learn more about our building works.
Theatre
- Ideal for: Formal lectures and presentations
- Capacity: 297 people
- Location: Lower ground floor
- Equipment: Data projector, lectern, microphones, various media players, and film projectors for 32 mm and 16 mm
Pricing
Note: From January 2025, the price for hiring the Theatre will increase. For more details or assistance, please reach out to the venue hire team.
| Duration of Booking | Mon - Fri | Sat, Sun and Public Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Half day (up to 4 hours) | $900 | $1250 |
| Full day (up to 8 hours) | $1200 | $1650 |
| Evening (after 5 pm, up to 4 hours) | $900 | $1500 |
| Additional hourly evening rate | $210 | $250 |
| *Note: Prices do not include costs for security, after-hours staffing, or AV services. | ||
Main Foyer
- Ideal for: Meet and greets, cocktail receptions and networking events
- Capacity: Approximately 350 people (standing only)
- Note: This area is open for public use until 8 pm. Booking restrictions apply
- Equipment: Not permanently equipped with electronic devices
Pricing
| Duration of booking | Mon - Fri | Sat, Sun and Public Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime (up to 4 hours) | $800 | $950 |
| Full day (up to 8 hours) | $1000 | $1200 |
| Evening (after 5 pm, up to 4 hours) | $1400 | $1700 |
| Additional hourly/evening rate | $350 | $425 |
| *Note: Prices are subject to change and do not include costs for security, after-hours staffing, or AV services. | ||
Conference Room
Due to ongoing building works, the Conference Room cannot be hired for events between 1 January 2025 to 1 April 2025.
- Ideal for: Workshops, presentations and seminars
- Capacity: 100 people (theatre style) or 30 people (classroom style)
- Location: 4th Floor
- Equipment: Laptop PC, lectern, roving microphones, ceiling projector, hearing loop
Pricing
Note: From January 2025, the price for hiring the Conference Room will increase. For more details or assistance, please reach out to our venue hire team.
| Duration of booking | Mon - Fri | Sat, Sun and Public Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime (up to 4 hours) | $630 | $740 |
| Full day (up to 8 hours) | $790 | $950 |
| Evening (after 5 pm, up to 4 hours) | $740 | $890 |
| Additional hourly/evening rate | $185 | $220 |
| *Note: Prices are subject to change and do not include costs for security, after-hours staffing, or AV services. | ||
Bookplate cafe
Our cafe is also available for booking as a venue for out-of-library-hours events. To make an enquiry, contact bookplate.
- Ideal for: Intimate weddings, bespoke cocktails, networking dinners, group lunches, morning and afternoon teas conferencing and meetings
- Capacity: 250 people (standup style) or 120 people (seated style)
- Location: Ground Floor
Interior of Bookplate restaurant at the National Library of Australia.
Interior of Bookplate restaurant at the National Library of Australia.
Bookplate cafe
Bookplate cafe
Make a booking
Before booking, please read through our Guidelines for the hire of venues.
Bookings and enquiries can be made online or by phone or email.
Tentative bookings and cancellations
We can hold a tentative booking for up to 7 days. To secure your booking, within the 7 days, complete, sign and return your License for Hire agreement.
If your plans change, you can cancel the booking in writing at least 30 days before the event without incurring charges.
Additional services
Secretariat support services
Secretariat support is not included with booking any of our venues. However, photocopying is available in the Main Reading Room on the Ground Floor.
Photography, filming or recording
If you wish to use photography, filming, or recording equipment, please submit a written request to our Security Services Manager.
In your request, please detail:
- who you represent,
- the purpose of your activity
- the time, date, and location of the event.
Security services
Security is mandatory for events held outside standard Library hours. Our standard hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 8 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
- Sunday: 1:30 pm to 5 pm
Please check the correct opening times for your event. Additional security requirements will be assessed, especially for high-profile events, and associated costs will be passed on to you. For high-profile events, a guest list is required at least 5 business days prior.
We are here to support you in hosting a successful event. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or special requests.
About the building
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