What information is collected about you when you visit this site and how this information is used.

There is important information you need to know when accessing our special collections.

Useful resources for finding unclaimed money

The origins of the National Library of Australia go back to the early years after Australian Federation in 1901, when the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library served both Federal Parliament and the nation.

The National Library has a large collection of sculptures built into and around the building, and beautiful tapestries hanging in our foyer.

The Main Reading Room houses a collection of sculptures and paintings inspired by Indigenous stories of the Australian landscape.

The Special Collections Reading Room houses art relating to Australian history and culture in the post-colonial era, focusing on modern Australian people and places.

The National Library incorporates major works of art that have become closely associated with the building.

View historical maps overlaid on a modern map.

The Library aims to collect all of our stories so Australians can understand our past, present and place in the world.