NSW Government provides additional funding to transform State Library of NSW

Reading-Room-State-Library-of-NSWA new underground auditorium, gallery and expanded bookshop, café and foyer are some of the enhancements the NSW Government is making to the State Library of NSW.

Almost $12 million of new funding brings the total to more than $24 million invested this year. The investment is part of a $120 million infrastructure program to revitalise NSW arts and cultural venues and kick-start the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the upgrades would enhance visitor access and experience at the beloved Cultural Institution.

“The State Library of NSW is a much-loved state institution and we’re investing an additional $11.9 million in works to enable better access to its significant collections and open up new facilities to attract even more visitors to this historic building,” said Mr Harwin.

“Today’s funding announcement follows last year’s commitment of $12.3 million for the State Library highlighting this Government’s commitment to ensuring everyone can access our cultural institutions.”

State Librarian John Vallance welcomed the additional funding to support upgrades to the Library’s public facilities to improve visitor experiences.

“We are absolutely delighted at this new investment from the NSW Government which will allow State Library to build a state-of-the-art 350-seat auditorium for gatherings and conferences (replacing the existing 140-seat auditorium) in an area beneath the Mitchell Library Reading Room,” said Dr Vallance.

“As part of our plans to improve access in and around the Library, we’ll be establishing a large, permanent underground gallery – set to open in mid-2022 – where we will display highlights from the Library’s vast photographic collection.”

The State Library will continue to work with expert heritage consultants and architects throughout the building program, which also includes:

  • a new public link between the Library’s two buildings
  • a function venue on top of the Mitchell Building – scheduled to open in mid-2021, and
  • refurbishment of the Mitchell Library Reading Room.

For more information about the State Library of NSW, visit: www.sl.nsw.gov.au for details.

Image: Mitchell Library Reading Room – State Library of NSW (supplied)