Location Map:
State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street forecourt, Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Location: State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street forecourt, Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Dates: Every day, all day
Friday 20 February to Thursday 21 May
Cost: Free
*The Library That Made Me* is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring impact of libraries and their vital role in shaping communities across New South Wales and beyond.
Presented in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the State Library of New South Wales, the project brought together ten contemporary photographers who were commissioned to document the stories of everyday library users. Travelling across 65 libraries throughout regional NSW and metropolitan Sydney, the photographers captured a rich and diverse cross-section of people whose lives have been influenced by these shared public spaces.
At the heart of the exhibition are deeply personal narratives. Library users were invited to reflect on and share stories about the libraries that have shaped their identities—places where they discovered a love of reading, accessed knowledge and resources, found community, or simply experienced a sense of belonging. These individual voices come together to form a powerful collective portrait of how libraries continue to support learning, creativity, and connection across generations.
The resulting body of work—now part of the State Library’s permanent collection—offers a compelling contemporary record of libraries in the present day. More than just repositories of books, these images highlight libraries as dynamic cultural hubs that inspire curiosity, foster inclusion, and strengthen communities.
*The Library That Made Me* celebrates not only the history of libraries, but also their evolving role in modern life—reminding us of the many ways these spaces continue to connect, empower, and inspire people from all walks of life.
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