David Scott Mitchell Oration: The Library – A radical idea

The David Scott Mitchell Oration celebrates and honours the Library’s first major benefactor. Previous guest speakers have included Kate Grenville AO, Professor Stephen Garton AM, Kim Williams AM and Clive James AO. 

Richard Ovenden, a writer and passionate advocate for the preservation of knowledge and the 25th Bodley’s Librarian since the post was set up at the University of Oxford in 1600, presents the 2026 David Scott Mitchell Oration. Ovenden’s lecture coincides with the Library’s 200th Anniversary and comes at a critical global moment. 

Ovenden considers libraries across a 3000-year horizon, highlighting the extraordinary ways they have evolved, endured and developed over that time, despite many challenges such as censorship, and deliberate destruction. He explores the ideas, motivations and intentions behind the foundation of libraries — as well as major legislation that has enabled the creation of library systems, across time and across the globe. Crucially, he will consider the contemporary role of libraries, the current challenges they face and the fundamental support they offer their communities in the 21st century. 

The State Library of NSW gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the State Library of NSW Foundation, in particular Mr Peter Crossing AM whose gift has made this event possible. 

Photo by John Cairns.