Get lost amidst the books at the State Library NSW

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The State Library of NSW is the oldest library with its doors still open in Australia, and contains a great deal of rich culture and history. It hosts a variety of art exhibitions for visitors to come and enjoy in between having a coffee at their Library Café, studying in the Bashir Reading Room or picking up a new book from their extensive collection. Free talks, workshops and performances are regularly held, providing information and entertainment to anyone who swings by. The library also provides multiple tours, such as the free history and heritage tours weekdays, between 10:30am and 11:30am. Overall, it is a beautiful monument to Sydney’s culture and history, located in the center of the city, with much to offer anyone who visits.

HOW TO GET THERE? - Parking & Transport

The closest mobility car spaces are located in front of the Mitchell Library Building on Shakespeare Place at the corner of the Cahill Expressway and Macquarie Street. There are additional accessible parking spots within 250 metres along Macquarie Street (two near the Reserve Bank Museum, in front of St Stephen’s Church, and at 155 Macquarie Street,) as well as general timed parking. While the Library’s underground carpark is not accessible, the Sydney Hospital underground carpark located roughly 200 metres away is, and has more accessible parking available. The path between the Sydney Hospital carpark and the Library is occasionally uneven due to tree roots under the pavement. People can contact Library Security on (02) 9273 1600 to request arrangements for a closer set-down point if necessary. There is public transport located close by, with Martin Place Station being located roughly 200 metres away from the library. The path between the station and the library is fairly flat and straightforward, with a slightly bumpy brick layout. There is also a bus stop directly outside the Macquarie Street building entrance, although it is only serviced by Route 200 on weekdays during peak hours.

ACCESS FEATURES

There are wheelchairs available for use by visitors – to request one, visit the Information Desk at the Macquarie Street Foyer. Lifts are located throughout the buildings to ensure full access to all areas. Hearing loops are available in the Dixson Room and Sir William Dixson Research Library in the Mitchell Library building. In the Macquarie Street building, hearing assistance is provided throughout, with a hearing loop in the Metcalfe Auditorium, a hearing system in the Glasshouse Learning Space, and one-to-one assistance at the Family History and LG1 service desks. Height-adjustable tables are located in the Mitchell Library and Governor Marie Bashir reading rooms, and in the later a dedicated PC with adaptive technology is available.

TOILETS

There are accessible bathrooms located on the Macquarie Street Building floors excluding Level 1, and Mitchell Library Building ground floor. The accessible bathrooms in the Macquarie Street building have braille signage.

FAQ'S