While we are quickly moving towards the end of the year, there is still a lot happening at the National Library over summer.

If you haven’t already, or if you want to take another look, our Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation exhibition allows for sports fans and novices alike to dive into Australia’s rich sporting history. Open until 28 January 2024, this free exhibition explores treasured sporting memories and Australia’s sporting culture using a range of books, magazines, paintings, drawings, photographs and memorabilia. If you’re not able to see the exhibition in person, check it out online.

If sport isn’t your thing, or you want to see more of our diverse collection, the Treasures Gallery includes all sorts of extraordinary and unique items from history. Over the summer, some of the items on display include a rare oil painting by Ellis Rowan, James Cook’s journal from the Endeavour voyage, Harold Cazneaux’s first camera and items from the Library’s Mabo collection.

As of 6 December 2023, the Treasures Gallery also features a series of photographs by the iconic Australian photographer William Yang. This collection-in-focus display explores themes of protest, community, art and remembrance through Yang’s photography of Sydney Mardi Gras festivals between 1981 and 2003.

In addition to our galleries, stay up to date with the events taking place at the Library over the summer. If you want to catch up on any of our events from earlier in the year for some summer viewing, many of our past events are recorded and available to watch online.

Throughout the year and over the summer, our lovely volunteers will be running tours for those who want to learn more about the Library, its history and how they can use it, along with showing some of the items on display. These tours are free but bookings are essential, so be sure to book your spot to explore the Library with one of our passionate volunteers.