State Library of New South Wales

1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

4.6 (1666)
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Function Venue

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The Library has venues to accommodate 10 to 500 people, available for seminars and conferences, corporate and government events, product and book launches.


Google iconReviews for State Library of New South Wales

Valine Lopes

July 13, 2026

Visiting the State Library of New South Wales was a wonderful experience. The library is a beautiful blend of history, architecture, and knowledge. The grand reading rooms are stunning, with high ceilings, elegant interiors, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to sit down with a good book. Even if you're not an avid reader, it's well worth visiting to admire the heritage building and explore the fascinating exhibitions. We enjoyed wandering through the library and appreciating its rich history while taking a break from the busy city outside. The library is free to enter, well maintained, and conveniently located near many of Sydney's major attractions. It's a hidden gem that offers a quiet escape and is definitely worth adding to your Sydney itinerary.

Abid Iqbal

September 1, 2026

​A true cultural treasure in the heart of Sydney! This was my second visit this month, and the atmosphere here never disappoints—whether you are dropping in to study, explore Australian history, or just absorb the peaceful energy. ​Atmosphere & Architectural Contrast ​Historic vs. Modern: Passing under the sandstone entrance along Macquarie Street leads into a fascinating mix of classical elegance and sleek, modern glass architecture. ​Study & Work Hub: The lower and glass-walled levels are brimming with comfortable study desks, warm lighting, and a vibrant, focused crowd working away alongside indoor greenery and high ceilings. ​Special Features & Exhibitions ​200th Anniversary Celebrations: Visiting right now during the library’s 200th anniversary year makes the trip extra special. The promotional banners along the exterior windows spotlight incredible rotating exhibitions like Definitive Dupain, Mervyn Bishop Close Up, and dedicated First Nations story showcases. ​The Mitchell Reading Room: Always a highlights reel—walking past the grand bookshelves and quiet reading tables feels like stepping back in time. ​Visitor Experience & Tips ​Accessibility: Conveniently located right on Macquarie Street, just a short walk from Martin Place or Circular Quay. ​Amenities: Great natural light throughout, free public Wi-Fi, accessible lifts, and calm indoor garden pockets that make it very easy to spend hours here. ​Verdict: Highly recommended for students, researchers, history lovers, or anyone needing a quiet retreat in the CBD. ​#hikingdiarybyabid

Jason Kwong JK

August 10, 2026

An unexpected highlight of our Sydney trip! 🏛️✨ We visited last week and were absolutely amazed by the historic Mitchell Library Reading Room. Standing under those towering, book-lined walls in that exceptionally quiet, peaceful atmosphere made us wish we could spend the whole day studying there! My Firsthand Tips for Travelers: 📚 The Catch: It is a research facility, so you cannot check out books as a tourist. However, exploring the public reading spaces is completely free. 🖼️ The Galleries: We never expected to find so many exhibitions here. The free galleries showcase incredible early Sydney landscapes, maps, and historical artifacts. 🎊 Don't Miss: They are currently hosting 200th Anniversary Celebrations. We caught "The Curious World of Pamela Allen" exhibition—a whimsical, family-friendly gem detailing the children's author's work. ⛲️ Itinerary Idea: It sits right next to the Royal Botanic Garden and close to Hyde Park. We easily combined it with our sightseeing walk. A wonderful, quiet cultural break. Highly recommend popping in!

Alexandra

August 8, 2026

Visited the state library for the first time and really enjoyed it. Historic building , very good ambiance and felt good to be there. Art gallery was such a lovely bonus. I also noticed how clean it was , no dust on bookshelves!

Nikita Kimberly

March 27, 2026

Absolutely love studying at the State Library of NSW 📚✨ The space is perfect for getting work done. There are plenty of seating options, whether you prefer big desks, cozy corners, or just a peaceful spot to focus. It’s such a productive environment, especially if you need to concentrate for long hours. One of my favorite things is the architecture 😍 The building is absolutely stunning, with high ceilings, beautiful details, and that classic historic charm. Studying here just feels different, it’s inspiring and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Facilities are great, and the overall atmosphere is very calm and respectful. Definitely one of the best study spots in Sydney! Highly recommend if you’re a student or just need a quiet place to work 💻✨


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