HomeAttractions > National Library of Australia
A woman and a young girl reading a book in the National Library's Main Reading Room
A woman and young girl holding books and gifts at the National Library Bookshop
A heritage building, stairs and lawn
Two young women in a brightly lit cafe, sitting at a white table.
Three students in the locker bay area, storing their personal belongings at the Library.
Three young adults walk down a bright, modern library aisle lined with bookshelves.
A mother, father and young daughter in an indoor exhibition space.

National Library of Australia

National Library of Australia

A woman and a young girl reading a book in the National Library's Main Reading Room
A woman and young girl holding books and gifts at the National Library Bookshop
A heritage building, stairs and lawn
Two young women in a brightly lit cafe, sitting at a white table.
Three students in the locker bay area, storing their personal belongings at the Library.
Three young adults walk down a bright, modern library aisle lined with bookshelves.
A mother, father and young daughter in an indoor exhibition space.

Overview

Welcome to the National Library of Australia – the home of your story.

There is always something going on with a constantly changing calendar.

Wander through the Main Reading Room to view some of the building's artwork and look through a selection of books on display.

Or take advantage of one of their free guided tours. Trained volunteer guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the Library and its collections.

And don't forget to browse the Bookshop for a souvenir, a special gift or your next great read. Or, if you need to recharge with a drink and a bite to eat, you can also visit the Paperplate Cafe.

Know what is happening at the Library before you arrive. Check out the National Library website for their opening hours and to plan your visit. Also, have a look at the What's On page to find out what events, lectures, discussion panels, author talks, special exhibitions and school holiday activities they have coming up for you to see and participate in. Visit the exhibition galleries, including the Treasures Gallery, which showcases the extraordinary holdings of the National Library of Australia.

Parkes Place West, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor ratingBased on 708 reviews

“Unfortunate experience”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 3mos ago by LAW64

I had been looking forward to visiting here to see the Treasures of Australia which sounded interesting. We only had a morning in Canberra and this is what we chose to do. Unfortunately a security...

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“Retail customer service at the NLA is terrific”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 4mos ago by C0nferencedelegate

Had a positive and encouraging experience in the Bookshop of the National Library of Australia today. Helpful retail staff, amenable to customer ideas and great communicators. The product range for...

Read the full review on TripAdvisor

“Amazing”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 8mos ago by Explorer60415551769

A wonderful place for readers and students! The library is clean, peaceful, and well-organized. It has a great collection of books and comfortable seating for long study sessions. The staff is very...

Read the full review on TripAdvisor
Facilities
  • Cafe
  • Carpark
  • Coach Parking
  • Conference/Function Facilities
  • Enquiry Desk
  • Family Friendly
  • Gallery / Museum
  • Lockers
  • Non Smoking
  • Parents Room
  • Public Toilet
  • Shop / Gift Shop
  • Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss.
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.