Building works

We are making vital improvements to our much-loved heritage building.

Please excuse our appearance, we are making vital improvements to our much-loved heritage building. These improvements are designed to optimise our space as and safeguard the collection for future generations.

Temporary disruptions to the onsite experience are part of our progress. You might hear construction noise as you navigate the Library, and certain areas will be closed to the public.

You’ll also notice scaffolding at the front entrance while we work on these upgrades, but rest assured, we are still open and ready to welcome visitors.

National Library building with scaffolding along the walls on a sunny day

Visitor experience redefined: what's available during building works and what awaits

Step inside and immerse yourself in Australia’s history and treasures! Our iconic building is open to the public, offering a range of activities to enhance your experience.

Encounter rare books, manuscripts and artefacts from history in the exhibition galleries
Access our reading rooms for study, research or a well-deserved break 
Uncover the hidden stories in our collection on a free guided tour of the building, departing 11am daily from the foyer
Catch up with your friends and family at Bookplate cafe in the foyer
Browse a selection of Australian books and gifts to buy and take home at our bookstore
Enjoy a coffee or light meal at Paperplate cafe located on the Lower Ground Floor

Progress updates

Temporary changes to collection access

Some collection storage areas will be temporarily closed, limiting access to some collection material. Different collection storage areas will be impacted at different times, but Library visitors can continue to request collection deliveries to the Reading Rooms as usual.

To find out what collections are impacted and when, and to help you plan your requests, please visit our temporary changes to collection access page. 

Find out more about the temporary changes to collection access

Our Special Collections Reading Room and Petherick Reading Room has been moved to a new temporary location on Lower Ground 1.

Windows

We are restoring the heritage windows around the Library to rejuvenate its appearance and improve thermal performance. You’ll see scaffolding and hoarding outside while this work is underway.

The replacement of windows on the King Edward Terrace side of the building began in July 2024 and the replacement of the windows at the front of the building began in November 2024.

The replacement of windows overlooking the Patrick White Lawns and Commonwealth Avenue Bridge has been completed, and restoration of the exhibition gallery windows is finished as well.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

As part of our ongoing stewardship and care for the Library’s collections, the Library is upgrading about a third of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system – focusing on the areas where these collections are stored.

Hume Repository Storage Facility

We have officially broken ground on a significant expansion to the Hume Repository, addressing the growing needs of our physical collection storage. This extension project will enable the Library to continue preserving Australia’s documentary heritage while meeting the increasing demands for space to house our valuable collections. This project is expected to be completed by September 2025.

The National Library's new roof seen from above

Large room undergoing renovation as part of the Library's building works

Room of the National Library with scaffolding from building works seen out the window

Completed projects

We’ve modernised and expanded our digitisation and photography workspaces to meet the growing demand for digital content. This project was completed in 2022. Additionally, the installation of new gleaming copper sheeting on the roof is now complete.