Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that our buildings, collections, and practices exist on unceded Aboriginal lands. We recognise the diversity and knowledges of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across all the lands the University stands on, and respect the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have to these lands, their cultural practices, knowledge systems and histories. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, who have handed down custodianship to each generation for more than 60,000 years.
Money, J. (2021). Yilabara (Now). Filmed on Gadigal Country. Commissioned by the University of Sydney Library
Discover Rare Books and Special Collections
SF W454 J14 TF 2; EA 7108 7; RB 9863.3
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
On Tuesday 20 May 2025, we hosted our first session themed 'Science vs Fiction'. From factual to fabulously fictitious, there are many ways of viewing and interpreting the world. At this event, we showcased a wide selection of our most unique collection items that spoke to a diversity of perspectives from different cultures and religions over time.
Over 2 sessions, we welcomed over 100 people, who were able to view items up close and talk to our Cultural Collections staff. Some highlights included:
- Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica by Isaac Newton
- Tian Jing Huo Wen, one of the earliest East Asian astronomy textbooks
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- Frontiers of Science comics
- War of the Worlds by HG Wells
- Signed cast photos from Star Wars
Thank you to everyone who joined us for these sessions!
Isaac Newtown's Principia
People looking at a table of books
Three people looking at a table of books
Person holding a book from the East Asian Collection
Lost in Space comic books
RB Folio 6219.6
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.
Tuesday 12 August 2025. Registrations will open closer to the date.
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.
Tuesday 14 October 2025. Registrations will open closer to the date.
Add.Ms. 439
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.
Tuesday 2 December. Registrations will open closer to the date.
EA 5930 8