Discover Rare Books and Special Collections
The University of Sydney Library holds one of Australia’s largest collections of rare and special books, with over 300,000 items. Join us throughout the year for 4 specially themed free events, where a smorgasbord of collection treasures will be on display.
These events are held in celebration of the University’s 175th anniversary. The Library has been an intrinsic part of the University’s identity from the very beginning; the purchase of Library books was one of the earliest decisions made by the Senate in the establishment of the University (52 titles were purchased for just under £100). Since then, our Library collection has continued to expand alongside the University. Our Library now has 14 locations across campuses and 4.6 million books.
As we reflect on this rich history, we invite you to immerse yourself in our collections, which have sparked scholarly curiosity over the past 175 years.
These events are a special opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating items in our collections, and hear about their stories.
Each session will run for 90 minutes; registered guests can drop-in during this time to view items and chat with staff, and enjoy light refreshments and mingling.
Science vs Fiction
From factual to fabulously fictitious, there are many ways of viewing and interpreting the world. Showcasing a selection of unique collection items, this event will explore a diversity of perspectives from different cultures and religions over time.
Highlights will include comics from our vast sci-fi collection; the first illustrated edition of HG Wells’ War of the Worlds; one of the earliest Chinese astronomy textbooks; a first edition of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; and works by 13th century cosmographer Zakariya al-Qazwini.
Tuesday 20 May 2025
- Afternoon session: 3-4.30pm (viewing and light refreshments included)
- Evening session: 6-7.30pm (viewing and light refreshments included)
Illustrating the Natural World
Throughout history, humanity has sought to capture the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Join us to discover a bird eating spider by Maria Sibylla Merian; albums of stunning fungi watercolours by Edwin Wheeler; life-sized birds and animals by Elizabeth and John Gould; and Didier Mutel’s fluorescent dinosaurs in Birds of Acid.
Stay tuned, date to be announced
Around the World in Rare Books
Discover the depth and breadth of our collection with special books, manuscripts and ephemera from cultures across time and place. Expect miniature books and elephant folios; lavish medieval religious manuscripts; and skilful Ukiyo-e wood block prints.
Stay tuned, date to be announced
Extraordinary women
This spotlight on significant women authors will showcase works from the past 300 years, highlighting the prowess of these literary greats. View first editions (including Virginia Woolf’s personal copy of The Voyage Out); author annotations (including early poems by Sylvia Plath), and intellectual insights ranging from Ada Lovelace to Germaine Greer.
Stay tuned, date to be announced