Become a Friend of the National Library
Support the National Library and make new Friends today
Friends of the National Library of Australia share a passion for the Library and its collections. The Friends promote and support the Library and the contribution it makes to our society. In return, the Library recognises the Friends as an integral part of its community and gives the Friends access to the inside story of the Library, its treasures, exhibitions and special programs.
Friends work together to encourage support for the National Library and its wonderful collections and resources. In recent years, Friends have:
- Presented lectures and events, promoting scholarship and public debate on topical issues
- Sponsored creative arts and staff fellowships
- Gifted artworks for the Library's Reading Room
- Supported the digitisation of various treasures from the Library's collection.
Friends host a varied program of events each year, bringing visitors to the Library to meet like-minded people, explore Library offerings and discover the riches of the collection. Events are held in person and online. You can view recordings of previous events on YouTube.
Benefits of being a Friend
Friends enjoy a number of benefits at the National Library and at a range of businesses and organisations Australia-wide.
National Library of Australia Bookshop
15% discount on in-store and online purchases at the National Library of Australia Bookshop (excluding discounted or remaindered stock, limited edition prints, postage stamps, vouchers, copy cards, magazines and newspapers)
Friends also receive quarterly special offers on new publications.
*20% discount applies from 1 September 2024, for the duration of the closure of the Friends Lounge.
Bookplate Restaurant and Paperplate Cafe
20% discount on all purchases at the Bookplate Restaurant and Paperplate Cafe
Access the exclusive Friends Lounge
The heritage Nan Kivell Room on Level 2.
*Please note the Lounge will be temporarily closed from 1 September 2024 until September 2025 due to building improvement works taking place in and around the space. Members will be kept informed about the progress of the works.
Exclusive Friends updates
Receive weekly eNews updates and a quarterly newsletter featuring extended content and articles from Friends members and Library staff.
Access to special events
Invitation-only events and special opportunities including the flagship 'White Gloves' event where Friends get up close to rarely seen items from the Library's collection.
ACT
Alexander Fax Booksellers
10% discount on in-store purchases.
Website: Alexander Fax Booksellers
Paperchain Bookstore
10% discount on cash purchases, 7.5% on card purchases.
Website: Paperchain Bookstore
Griffith Review of Books
20% off subscription and one free backlist copy.
Website: Griffith Review of Books
Australian Chamber Orchestra
10% discount for Canberra performances at Llewellyn Hall, ANU.
Discounted tickets can only be purchased online or by phoning 1800 444 444 and quoting the promotion code on your Benefits of Membership form in your latest membership renewal pack. (Please note this discount is not available through Ticketek.)
Website: Australian Chamber Orchestra
Snow Concert Hall
20% discount on tickets to individual concerts throughout the 2024 season. Book online using promo code LIB20.
10% discount on the 2024 Season Pass.
Website: Snow Concert Hall
Canberra Philharmonic Society
10% discount on shows booked online.
Website: Canberra Philharmonic Society
Canberra Repertory Society
Two-for-one for all preview performances to Canberra REP productions at Theatre 3 (offer not available online).
Quote membership number at time of purchase.
Website: Canberra Repertory Society
National Trust ACT
Discounts on National Trust events and tours. Bookings via phone or email and presentation of Friends membership card.
Website: National Trust ACT
Alliance Francaise Canberra
5% discount on language courses.
Website: Alliance Francaise Canberra
Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra
5% discount off first enrolment.
Website: Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra
TFE Hotels
TFE Hotels offers Friends of the NLA a 15% discount on accommodation throughout Australia, subject to availability.
To make a reservation use the booking code on the Benefits of Membership form in your latest membership renewal pack and complete the online booking form.
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Special discounted members rates when you sign up to their mailing list. Book online.
Bookings: 1800 676 372 (toll free) or 02 6203 4300, or email reservations@forresthotel.com. Bookings may also be made online.
Friends of the State Library of South Australia
- Access to members lounge
- Discounts for functions
- Member price for events
- Discount on FSLSA publications
Website: Friends of the State Library of South Australia
Friends of the State Library of NSW
- Discounts for events listed in SLNSW What's On Brochure
- 10% discount at the Library Shop
- Use of exclusive Friends Room
Website: Friends of the State Library of NSW
Friends of the State Library of Victoria
- 10% off food and beverage at Mr Tulk and Guild cafes
- 10% off all full-priced books at Readings State Library
- Members rates on paid events.
* Membership benefits are subject to change at any time without notice
Contact us
If you would like more information about the Friends please email friends@nla.gov.au or phone the Friends Executive Officer on (02) 6262 1551.
For assistance with purchasing a membership online, please contact the Membership Officer on (02) 6262 1698 or at the email address above. Please note that our office is staffed part-time and we are not always immediately contactable. Please leave us a voice message or send an email and we will get in touch within 3 business days.