National Library of Australia

Books are just the start of the story at the National Library of Australia! Our fascinating behind the scenes tours are full of insights into what it takes to run the largest library in the Southern Hemisphere. Students can find out how the National Library of Australia came to be, how an Australian Prime Minister’s false teeth came to be part of our collection, and how exactly robots and a giant vacuum cleaner can help them read a book.

Our tours explore the National Library of Australia’s role in Civics and Citizenship, information and visual literacy, writing, and culture through visits to our exhibitions, viewing our collection material and research skills demonstrations. All of our programs link to Australian Curriculum content and capabilities and cater for primary and secondary students.

Digital Classroom

Get more out of your visit by exploring the resources on the Digital Classroom. Aligned to the Australian Curriculum, the site offers videos, images and learning activities that bring the Library's collection into your classroom. Go to nla.gov.au/digital-classroom.

Discover the Library's Collection

Treasures Gallery

From the earliest European exploration of the continent to the papers of Edward Koiki Mabo, our permanent exhibition space offers students and teachers an opportunity to get up close to items from the Library’s vast collection and come face-to-face with some of Australia’s most important artefacts.

Exhibitions Gallery (see nla.gov.au/exhibitions for more information)

Our temporary exhibition space hosts a number of temporary exhibitions each year highlighting different aspects of our collection. Exhibitions for 2021 include The Picturesque Atlas of Australasia and The Art of George French Angas. (Visits to temporary exhibitions are subject to availability and bookings are required)

Big experience, tiny fee

At just $5 per student, we offer one of the best value educational experiences in Canberra. Our onsite programs are popular so bookings are essential.

For more information, go to nla.gov.au/learning and check out ‘school programs’ and ‘planning your visit’.

Trove

Use the Library's free discovery service, Trove, to find historical images, music and texts, and access local and international electronic resources. Learn more at trove.nla.gov.au.