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What's on

Explore our events, exhibitions, workshops and talks.

In the spotlight

A page of handwritten music notations with composer Luke Styles wearing a black t-shirt
Living Collection: The music of Luke Styles
12 Nov 2025

Through musical performance and conversation, we explore the Library's collection of works by acclaimed composer Luke Styles.

Event
Talks and ideas
Panel discussion
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon
Assistance animals welcome
Assistive learning icon Assistive learning icon
Hearing induction loop
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon
Wheelchair accessible
Cyclists racing on a road lined with spectators

Australian Cyclists riding through a village, the street lined by spectators, during the Tour de France bicycle race, 1928, nla.obj-150936915

Two wheels to adventure: Bikes and why we love them
15 Nov 2025

Why does cycling remain one of the world’s most popular and enjoyable methods of travel, and how does it continue to evolve?

Event
Talks and ideas
Panel discussion
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon
Assistance animals welcome
Assistive learning icon Assistive learning icon
Hearing induction loop
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon
Wheelchair accessible
A selection of black and white and colour images displayed in a scrapbook
Jim Sharman in conversation with Hannah de Feyter
21 Nov 2025

The film and theatre legend Jim Sharman – the renowned director of more than 70 productions including The Rocky Horror Picture Show – reflects on his incredible career, his legacy and the future of the arts.

Event
Film screening
Talks and ideas
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon
Assistance animals welcome
Assistive learning icon Assistive learning icon
Hearing induction loop
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon
Wheelchair accessible

Events

Author Mark McKenna standing in grass wearing a blue shirt, and book cover of The Shortest History of Australia
Book launch: The Shortest History of Australia
05 Nov 2025

Renowned historian Mark McKenna sits down with Frank Bongiorno to discuss Mark's new book and how it came together.

Event
Books and authors
Book launch
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon
Assistance animals welcome
Assistive learning icon Assistive learning icon
Hearing induction loop
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon
Wheelchair accessible
A black and white photograph of a man in a suit standing in front of flagpoles with the US and Australian flags
Power and Vision: Australia and the South Pacific Commission
06 Nov 2025

2025 National Library of Australia Fellow, Dr Alexis Bergantz shares his Fellowship research on the history of the South Pacific Commission.

Event
Talks and ideas
Fellowship talk
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon
Assistance animals welcome
Assistive learning icon Assistive learning icon
Hearing induction loop
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon
Wheelchair accessible
A page of handwritten music notations with composer Luke Styles wearing a black t-shirt
Living Collection: The music of Luke Styles
12 Nov 2025

Through musical performance and conversation, we explore the Library's collection of works by acclaimed composer Luke Styles.

Event
Talks and ideas
Panel discussion
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon
Assistance animals welcome
Assistive learning icon Assistive learning icon
Hearing induction loop
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon
Wheelchair accessible
View all events

Exhibition

Text in a retro font reading '1975 Living in the Seventies' on a bright orange background
1975: Living in the Seventies
14 Aug 2025 - 09 Mar 2026

Look back on life in the 70s including politics, feminism, pop culture, news of the day, and more.

Exhibition
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon
Assistance animals welcome
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon
Wheelchair accessible

Explore more

Volunteer Library tour guide smiling and greeting a tour group, made up of people of various ages, in the foyer.
Library tours
Orange, brown and white painting hung in the main reading room

Minnie Lumai (b. 1940), Yab-yab-gnerni-gnim (Sugarbag Dreaming), 2009, natural ochre on canvas ; 130 x 125 cm, Main Reading Room.

Artworks in and around the building
Two young women having morning tea at the Bookplate cafe

Bookplate cafe

Cafes
Woman browsing books on display at the Library's Bookshop
Bookshop
People reading and talking in a large, sunny room at tables, desks and computer stations

Main Reading Room

Reading rooms

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