State Library of NSW

Museums

First published on 17 Mar 2008. Updated on 6 Dec 2011.

The State Library is essentially two libraries in one: the newly renovated State Reference Library provides access to five million books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, paintings, architectural plans, relics and extensive online content (eg. eBooks) and other media stored over five floors below ground, while the 1910 Mitchell Wing (closed Sundays) holds the world’s greatest collection of Australiana, including James Cook’s original journals and the log book of Captain Bligh.
The latter wing has fine bronze bas-relief doors depicting Aboriginal peoples and European explorers, a grand mosaic and terrazzo vestibule, stained-glass windows and extensive amounts of Australian stone and timber. Its Shakespeare Room is a fine example of mock-Tudor style, with a ceiling modelled on Cardinal Wolsey’s closet in Hampton Court and stained glass windows depicting the ‘seven ages of man’.
The SRL’s very popular Family History Service offers free courses to help people trace their family history, and changing exhibitions highlight the library’s large and fascinating collection of historic paintings, photos, manuscripts and rare books. The library also hosts the annual World Press Photo exhibition and there are regular free guided tours of both libraries as well as regualr events including Tuesday in the Galleries and free movies and community learning courses.

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