State Library of NSW

The State Library collects and preserves materials and evidence relating to our place in the world and makes them accessible to everyone in New South Wales and beyond.

The State Library of NSW is one of the great libraries of the world, with a history dating back to 1826. Since then, the Library has been collecting all kinds of materials that help tell the rich and diverse story of NSW and Australia.

There are more than six million items in the Library’s collection, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, paintings, architectural plans, objects and digital content.

New materials are added every day, so that future generations will know their history.

Almost one million readers and visitors walk through our doors each year to think, meet and work in our inspiring spaces. They use the collection, explore our galleries and enjoy our cultural and learning programs. Many more visit us online to access the catalogue and information services, view digitised works, and read stories about our collections.

In the community, the State Library works in partnership with public libraries to support and improve their services for the people of NSW. This is our commitment under the terms of the Library Act 1939.

We’re working with Indigenous communities to enrich the Library’s collections with their knowledge, events and stories, and to share community language material in culturally appropriate ways.

And our outreach programs make it possible for people across the state, especially those in regional areas, to experience significant Australian artefacts and records in their schools, libraries and community centres.

The State Library is a shared space where everyone is welcome. 

History of the Library

The State Library of NSW began as a subscription library in 1826.

The naming of the Library

The State Library of NSW is the oldest continuously operating library in Australia. 

The Australian Subscription Library, established in 1826, was renamed as the Australian Library and Literary Institution in 1853. In 1869 the NSW Government purchased the collection and building to form the Sydney Free Public Library, the first truly public library for the people of NSW. In 1895 the Free Public Library was renamed as the Public Library of NSW. In 1907 David Scott Mitchell bequeathed his collection to the NSW government and the Mitchell Library, built to hold the extensive collection, opened in 1910.

In 1975 the Library was renamed as the State Library of NSW.