Lecture

Intimate recital/talk series in the historic Friends Room of the State Library of NSW

Broadcaster and teacher Mary Sharp on what stories tell us about how we view our lives

Explore the world of opera in these delightful weekly talks abundantly illustrated with audio and visual excerpts

From Hyde Park to the Opera House, uncovering Sydney’s hidden past

Public Lectures by Virginia Handel and Major Paul Handel RFD (retd) for the Military History Society of New South Wales

According to Greek mythology, Heracles’ first labour was to slay the Nemean Lion.

A conversation about the Library’s vital family history research, including the ethics and challenges that arise.

A Leadership Showcase & Workshop for Decision-Making Under Pressure

Learn how behind-the-scenes expertise shapes how library collections are organised, discovered and understood.

Professor Hans Pols explores the origins of community mental health in Australia.

National Science Week

The Cult of Gloriana: Art, Music and Politics at the Court of the Virgin Queen

Hear how the Library is meeting the new challenges and opportunities of safeguarding the born-digital archival record.

Raw. Divisive. Naive and neglected. Spend one final evening with architecture’s most misunderstood.

A critical exploration of First Nations engagement with archives, and the work of re-reading and reframing collections.

Discover why public libraries matter more than ever as AI and digital technologies reshape their role.

Sydney Peace Award Ceremony and Lecture to honour our 2026 recipient, Jennifer Robinson