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Sydney Writers’ Festival events / Awards / Giveaways at State Library
Sydney Writers’ Festival
Don’t miss Australia’s beloved celebration of literature, stories and ideas. See Sydney Writers’ Festival events at the State Library from 20–26 May.
Catch all your favourites like:
- Booker Prize shortlisted author Paul Murray in conversation with ABC’s Kate Evans
- Biographer Rose Ellis and novelist Kate Grenville in an event about Sydney’s bohemian Bee Miles hosted by Caroline Baum
- Lauren Groff on her latest New York Times-bestselling novel The Vaster Wilds
- Lexicographer Sarah Ogilvie (The Dictionary People) with Openbook editor Phillipa McGuinness
- Festival exclusive kids event featuring author Libby Hathorn and artist Kim Carpenter
- Ali Cobby Eckermann, Hannah Diviney, Anna Funder, Richard Glover and Tim Ross in a special event based on the popular The library that made me column
Plus Library highlights like 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards ceremony and a special Festival trivia night!
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On the shortlistsThe 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards shortlists are out! 54 outstanding works were shortlisted for 12 prize categories from 834 entries. Vote for your favourite book to decide who will take home the People’s Choice Award. All award winners will be announced on Monday 20 May. |
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Behind the scenesWednesday 8 May at 6 pm Each picture that the Library collects has its own story. Hear from curators Elise Edmonds and Margot Riley, as they reveal the tales behind some of the fascinating pictures recently added to the Library’s collections. |
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Author talk with Kyra GeddesThursday 9 May at 12.30 pm Kyra Geddes explores her stunning debut The Story Thief, a moving family saga inspired by one of Australia’s most infamous novels, The Drover’s Wife. The Story Thief is about mothers and daughters, love, loss and the power of words. |
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Unleash your inner artistSaturday 18 May at 10 am In this full-day workshop you’ll be inspired by the Library’s collections and have fun experimenting with new ideas and techniques. Designed for all skill levels, participants will also have the opportunity to view a collection of exquisite artist books. |
![]() New exhibitions opening soonTwo popular photographic exhibitions return to the Library. World Press Photo Exhibition 2024 Don’t miss your chance to see some of the world’s best photography on show from Saturday 25 May. |
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Discover World Press Photo 2024Saturday 25 May at 2 pm To mark the opening of the World Press Photo Exhibition at the Library, hear from the Jury Chair for Europe Anastasia Taylor-Lind talk about the 2024 Contest and the winning photographs. Following Anastasia’s talk, explore the World Press Photo Exhibition. |
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Amazing new online resourcePeople from the Greek–Australian community talk about their experiences coming to Sydney and share stories about creating a home here, in this new collection of oral histories and resources. Developed in partnership with UNSW, the Greek–Australian Archive is available online now. |
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Discount tickets now availableDiscounted tickets have been released for all weekend performances of Incredibilia! Enjoy this magical theatre experience for kids and families, created by author Libby Hathorn and visual artist Kim Carpenter. Performances from 12–26 May. Suitable for ages 5 to 10 years. |
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Openbook winterThe special Sydney Writers’ Festival edition of Openbook is almost here. Within its pages you’ll find the usual brilliant line-up of photographers, curators and writers — many of whom are appearing at the Festival. We’re also hosting a special Openbook event on 23 May with Ali Cobby Eckermann, Hannah Diviney, Anna Funder, Richard Glover and Tim Ross. Thanks to our friends at Allen & Unwin, the first 25 new subscribers will receive Bri Lee’s debut novel The Work. |
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Mother’s Day offerThis Mother’s Day buy a Friends of the Library membership or an Openbook magazine subscription by Sunday 12 May to get a bonus gift for mum! Buy a Friends of the Library membership as a gift and get an extra year of membership for free. or Buy a gift Openbook magazine subscription — 4 issues for only $50 — and we’ll add a bonus issue for free. |
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Book giveawayWin 1 of 10 copies of Julie Bennett’s new novel, The Lost Letters of Rose Carey — a stirring tale of mystery and romance, inspired by the life of 1920s Australian film icon and ‘million-dollar mermaid’ Annette Kellerman. To enter tell us why you want to read The Lost Letters of Rose Carey. |
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Have our events inspired you?A gift to the State Library can help us to build, protect and share our heritage in many ways, including bringing the collection to life through special events and exhibitions. Please consider making a gift today.
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