A little-known chapter of Australia’s past is that the convict settlement at Port Jackson became the first British port in the Pacific. Following his 2025 lecture at the Library, maritime historian Chris Maxworthy returns to expand on his research.

Where are the women in the story of Australia? Our new partnership with She Shapes History brings an exciting event series exploring the often-under-recognised women’s stories in Australia’s history. 

ArtsNational Canberra and Paul Brunton OAM present a lecture focusing on the eyewitness accounts of the voyage to Sydney during the First Fleet of 1787 - 1788.

Celebrate the end of the financial year with great savings on Australian literature and unique gifts with discounts up to 50%*. 

Prof Catharine Coleborne presents her recent Fellowship research, focusing on her discoveries about the health and illness experiences of poliomyelitis (polio) in regional Australia across the 20th century.

Which novels have had a universal impact on our world? Author and leading literary authority Susannah Fullerton delivers this engaging lecture presented by the Friends of the Library.

After decades spent on the fringes of politics, publishing and Australia’s sex industry, Robbie Swan and Fiona Patten finally tell the stories they could never quite leave behind. Join them for the launch of the new book, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sex Party.

Come along on the last Sunday of each month for a paw-sitive reading experience with the Story Dogs program.

The National Foundation for Australian Women presents Justice Verity McWilliam reflecting on her life and work.

Join us as we celebrate NAIDOC Week and Torres Strait Islander tradition and culture.

In this workshop, Writing the Book Only You Can Write, participants will be introduced to a unique and accessible approach to writing their personal story. 

*Booked out* In this workshop, Writing the Book Only You Can Write, participants will be introduced to a unique and accessible approach to writing their personal story.