From brutalist monuments to tiny local spaces, visiting libraries while traveling can be as culturally illuminating as exploring local markets.

The Australian Library and Information Association’s Deputy CEO Trish Hepworth is an avid library explorer who has dragged her family into libraries big and small across five continents. Trish will explore how libraries offer unique windows into local cultures - revealing what communities value through their collections, programs, and spaces.

From architectural marvels at university libraries to specialized collections that tell distinctive stories, this talk will inspire you to add libraries to your travel itineraries. Discover how these intellectual havens can provide authentic insights into communities that typical tourist attractions simply can't match. Perfect for bibliophiles, cultural explorers, and curious travellers seeking deeper connections during their journeys.

Light afternoon tea will be provided after the talk, along with opportunities for questions and conversation.

This event is presented by the Friends of the National Library of Australia and the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

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About Trish Hepworth

Trish Hepworth is a passionate advocate for the power of libraries. As Deputy CEO of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), Trish leads the Association’s work across policy, advocacy, research, education and professional matters. Prior to her role at ALIA Trish has held executive positions across charitable, government and corporate organisations in Australia and internationally, specialising in legal and policy reform.

Trish is a member of the steering committee for the Attorney-General's Copyright and AI working group, and a committee member for the Australian Library and Archives Copyright Coalition (ALACC) and the Australian Media Literacy Alliance (AMLA).