State Library of New South Wales Information

The State Library of NSW 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 Library exists in order to support and encourage research, debate, conversation, inspiration, learning and enjoyment. We welcome all people and strive to serve them all equally well, whether they visit us in person on Macquarie Street, online, or through their local public library. 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.