National Library of Australia

13/09/2026

Did you know you can book appointments to talk to one of our librarians in over 150 languages?

If you need help with research or finding resources in our collections, we offer in-person and telephone appointments with a librarian supported by a professional interpreter in your preferred language.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x5EMW

[Image description: Librarian sitting at a desk holding a phone to her ear and looking at a computer. In white text on a teal background at the bottom of the image is the words ‘Talk to a librarian in your language’ in English, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic.]

11/09/2026

What an honour to host the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards last night!

We had the privilege of speaking with Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, co-author of ‘A Piece of Red Cloth’ which won the fiction category. She describes the book as “true fiction.”

The awards celebrate the Australian writers, illustrators, poets and historians whose work enriches our cultural life and helps tell the story of Australia. Across 6 categories, the awards recognise outstanding achievement in fiction, non-fiction, young adult literature, children's literature, poetry and Australian history.

As part of the evening, shortlisted authors signed copies of their works from the National Library's collection, creating a lasting connection between today's storytellers and future generations of readers.

10/09/2026

Things are starting to look a little more floral around here 🌷

Our Bookshop window is officially in bloom with a colourful new installation featuring flowers illustrated by renowned Australian artist Ellis Rowan.

If you’re heading to Floriade this weekend, be sure to drop by the Library to check it out in-person, and see what else we have on offer!

Plan your visit at library.gov.au

10/09/2026

We’re thrilled to introduce the upcoming second edition of Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive.

At its very best, photojournalism can define a moment, a movement, an era or a whole generation.

In this updated hardcover edition, photographer and media commentator Mike Bowers delves deeper into this vast collection of plate-glass negatives, showcasing more than 150 iconic images from Australia’s past.

Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive will be released on 1 October and is available for pre-order now.

Pre-order your copy today: https://brnw.ch/21x5zFt

[Image description: Book cover featuring a black and white image of two men sitting on a park bench under a tree. A horse and cart and city skyline are seen in the background. The title, ‘Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive’, is in the bottom left corner.]

09/09/2026

Did you know that we make custom archival boxes right here at the Library?

Using carefully calculated measurements, our Collection Care team creates custom archival boxes designed to fit collection items perfectly.

This bespoke box was made for a beautiful gold album from the Holloway family collection, helping preserve it for future generations.

Find out more about how we preserve collection material: https://brnw.ch/21x5xS4

[Video description: A woman measures an antique gold-covered album. She then uses a box-making machine to cut a custom archival box, before folding and assembling it by hand. The album is placed inside the finished box and the lid is closed.]

07/09/2026

Happy International Literacy Day!

At the National Library of Australia, we know that literacy opens doors to knowledge, opportunity and connection. It empowers people to participate fully in society and to make informed decisions.

Libraries are at the heart of this work. Every day, library staff across Australia welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, helping them build skills, explore ideas and connect with their communities.

To our library workers, educators, families, volunteers and everyone championing literacy: thank you. Together, you're helping create a more informed, connected and inclusive Australia.

07/09/2026

During her time at the Library, 2025 National Library Scholar Caitlin Hughes examined material related to Eastern Indonesian history, arts and culture.

Read about her research and discoveries in the collection in our blog: https://brnw.ch/21x5ue5

Caitlin is a 2025 National Library Scholar in Asian Studies, supported in memory of Cheng King Law.

[Image description: A woman with red glasses and long red hair smiles at the camera while holding an open green book. She wears a pink top and an orange scarf, seated at a white table with other books nearby.]

06/09/2026

05/09/2026

Introducing Bird Park, the companion publication to the hugely popular Dog Beach (2025) from the powerhouse creative team of Julie Murphy and Annie White Illustration

How many species of birds will you spot?

Bird Park releases 1 November. Pre-order your copy today: https://brnw.ch/21x5spo

04/09/2026

Another sneak peak of one of our stunning new children’s books coming soon from NLA Publishing!

Paddle Steamer Pearl by @[MOCK]Neridah McMullin, with amazing mixed-media illustrations by Jessica Corkran, is inspired by the story of Australia’s first female river boat captain. This rollicking adventure story is perfect for readers aged 5+.

Releasing 1 November, pre-order your copy now: https://brnw.ch/21x5qLi

[Video description: Video shows text and illustrations from the new children’s book Paddle Steamer Pearl, featuring a river boat full of goods for trade and a young girl and her family who live onboard.]