State Library of NSW 2012 Events

The State Library of NSW is a dynamic cultural destination with a history dating back to 1826. It is regarded as one of the great libraries of the world comprising an unrivalled collection made up of over five million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, paintings, architectural plans, relics and extensive online content (eg. eBooks). The State Library is essentially two libraries in one: the newly renovated State Reference Library and the Mitchell Library, adjoined by a glass walkway.

The Mitchell Library, located on Shakespeare Place, holds the world’s greatest collection of Australiana, including Joseph Banks’ Endeavour journal, William Bligh’s Bounty logbook and James Cook’s first map of the Southern Hemisphere.

The State Library of NSW offers free changing exhibitions which highlight its large and fascinating collection, and also hosts the annual World Press Photo exhibition. It presents a dynamic public events program, including Tuesday in the Galleries and free movies, and runs community learning courses for young people to lifelong learners.

Coming up in 2012

Walking Orientation of the State Library of NSW
Fom 14 Dec
Discover the State Library's history, services and resources with their introductory tours or their History and Heritage tours, every Wednesday at 3pm. Meet at Macquarie Street Wing foyer.

Finding Antarctica
3 Dec-19 Feb
This free exhibition at the State Library of NSW explores the last 2000 years of mapping in Antarctica. There are over 100 maps, all rare and ranging from the 15th to the 20th Centurys.

Cool Readings
20 Dec
As part of the Finding Antarctica exhibition on at the State Library of NSW, Kate Middleton a Sydney Poet will read you poetry written about Antarctica.

Life in the Freezer
5 Jan
The State Library will screen David Attenborough’s Antarctica wildlife series oin conjunction with their Finding Antarctica exhibition.

Photography Workshop for Kids
10 & 16 Jan
Keep the young ones busy with this full day camera skills workshop. They will learn about composition and design with the provided digital cameras and take home printed copies of your 5 best shots are included. Bring lunch, hat and sunscreen for this supervised outdoor/indoor workshop. Suitable for children aged 8 years and above. This event is part of the Kids@the Library series.

Penguins on Ice
10 Jan
Love Penguins? Here is your chance to hear what historian and antarctic guide Stephen Martin has to say on the history of penguins and people. This is part of the Finding Antarctica exhibition on at the State Library of NSW.

The Mysterious Mitchell
Various dates and times
As part of the Kids@the Library series currently being run by the State Library, you are invited on a 'discovery' tour of the historical Mitchell Library.

Wallace and Grommit
12 & 17 Jan
See Wallace and Grommit in two back to back movies - The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave - at the State Library and if you get really inspired you can attend the claymation workshop the following day.

Claymation Workshop
18 Jan
Learn the basics of Claymation at the  Kids@the Library series and make your own Antarctic adventure video.

Out of the Vaults - Henry Lawson
19 Jan
As part of the Out of the Vaults series, the State Library of NSW is holding a talk on the life and writings of Henry Lawson. Numbers are limited to 20 and the cost includes drinks and canapés.

Out of the Vaults - The First XI
2 Feb
Australia is a cricket nation, but our cricketing history goes far beyond the Ashes. Sports mad Tracy Bradford explores the Library’s collections on the history of Australia’s first touring cricket team to England and the first ever women’s test matches.

Playing with Dickens
6 Feb
It is Charles Dicken's 200th birthday and to help celebrate, Miriam Margoyles will host a show of comedy, conversation and passion for the literary giant. It will be on in the Metcalfe Auditorium at the State Library and will be followed up by a Q&A about both her show and the work of Dickens.

Hoosh, Dogs and Seal Meat: The Role of Food in the Race to the Pole
16 Feb
Hoosh, Dogs and Seal Meat looks at the important role food played in the race to the poles, hosted by historical gastronomer, Diane Noyce.

Lewin: Wild Art
5 Mar-27 May
Lewin: Wild Art is a free exhibition based around the life of John William Lewin. He arrived in NSW in 1800 as the first free professional artist in Australia and worked to record our natural history through art. The State Library of NSW currently holds the largest collection of his works.

Lewin: Wild Talk, Wild Walk
From 17 Mar
Lewin: Wild Art is a free exhibition based around the life of John William Lewin, the first free professional artist in Australia and worked to record our natural history through art. Following the exhibition you can attend a guided walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens to see real life examples of the flora in its native habitat

A Taste of Family History
4 May
Join the State Library as they help you to get started locating your family history and discover information about your ancestors.  Presented by the Society of Australian Genealogists.

World Press Photo 2012
11 Jun-5 Aug
The annual exhibition of the world's best photojournalism shines a light on the dark corners of the planet

Anantomy of a Rare Book
22 Aug
As an event of the Lifelong Learning Series at the State Library of NSW, book lovers have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on workshop. As the name implies, it is an indepth look into what makes specific books rare.

You and the Law
22 Nov
Have you ever wondered what the law says about the noise from your neighbour's barking dog? What about moving house, looking after your money or something as simple as shopping? In a hands on workshop held by the State Library of NSW, you can learn more about the legal system you operate within every day.

Australian Ballet Talks
14 & 27 Nov, 4 Dec
Hear giants of the dance world talk all things ballet at the State Library. Each session will feature a different speaker, including Colin Peasley, Nicolette Frallion and Stephen Baynes

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