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State Library of NSW opens a new chapter with $1.5 million literature hub

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the State Library of NSW
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Isabelle James
Isabelle James
My interest in writing grew after completing work experience at The Guardian Newspaper in London. I then studied English Literature at University, where I was the Director of Commentary at Wayzgoose Magazine, which focused on student life, arts and culture. After moving to Sydney in 2023, I became fascinated with travel journalism and the diverse number of events and activities that Sydney has to offer.
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  • The NSW Government is investing $1.5 million to establish a year-round literature hub at the State Library of NSW.
  • The initiative is thanks to a collaboration between Sydney Writers Festival and the State Library.
  • Launching in September 2025, the hub will host a diverse calendar of literary events and over 300 paid opportunities for local writers.

In exciting news for Sydney’s bookworms, a year-round literature hub is launching at the State Library of NSW in September 2025, creating a vibrant new home for storytelling and literary events.

Backed by a $1.5 million investment from the NSW Government, the initiative is a joint effort by the Sydney Writers Festival and the State Library of NSW. The hub will deliver a year-round program of literary events, capturing the spirit of the Sydney Writers’ Festival’s annual celebration, but in a permanent, ongoing format.

The initiative and its exciting program have been backed by an array of world-class publishers, talented writers and a network of festivals, libraries, booksellers and literary organisations. Many of the events will be free, and over the course of the year, the initiative will create more than 300 paid opportunities for local writers, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting and uplifting the creative industry.

The first events of the series have just been announced and are available for presale from July 30. Featuring a lineup of exciting Australian and international voices, the event will take place in the State Library’s state-of-the-art, 344-seat auditorium.

Minister for Arts, John Graham, said:

“This $1.5 million investment into a year-around program will benefit us all, strengthening the cultural heartbeat of our city, creating a home for readers and writers – a place for discussion, ideas, reflection, discovery.”

SWF 2024 Credit Jacquie Manning
The new literature hub will benefit readers and writers across the state. (Credit: Jacquie Manning).

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The program so far

Four events have been announced, each inviting an inspiring guest (or guests) to discuss their work and broader ideas in thought-provoking, engaging sessions.

1. Michelle de Kretser: Theory & Practice

One of Australia’s most celebrated writers, and recent winner of the 2025 Stella Prize, will delve deep into her latest genre-bending work Theory & Practice with Australian journalist and writer Malcolm Knox.

Where: State Library of NSW, Library Auditorium.
When: Thursday, September 18, 6pm-7pm.
Price: From $35.

2. Happy Endings with Melanie Saward and Saman Shad

This panel will feature Melanie Saward (author of Love Unleashed) and Saman Shaf (author of The Sex Lives of Married Women). They’ll be discussing romance, chance encounters, cultural identity and female friendship in this dreamy, yet important, session.

Where: State Library of NSW, Library Auditorium.
When: Thursday, September 25, 6pm-7pm.
Price: From $35.

3. Hannah Kent: Always Home, Always Homesick

Join 2025 festival favourite Hannah Kent as she reflects on how her symbolic home of Iceland has shaped her life in her debut memoir, Always Home, Always Homesick. Kent is known for her portfolio of incredible novels, including the multi-award-winning international bestseller, Burial Rites, which was translated into over 30 languages.

Where: State Library of NSW, Library Auditorium.
When: Thursday, October 2, 6pm-7pm.
Price: From $35.

4. Bob Brown: Defiance

Former Australian Greens leader and passionate environmentalist Bob Brown is bringing stories from nature and defenders to the State Library auditorium. He’ll be speaking on how persistence, community and courage can defeat those who put profit over the planet.

Where: State Library of NSW, Library Auditorium.
When: Thursday, October 10, 6pm-7pm.
Price: From $35.

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Sydney Writers Festival 2025 features hundreds of talks and panel discussions by top-selling novelists and thought leaders.
The Sydney Writers’ Festival 2025 featured hundreds of talks and panel discussions by top-selling novelists. (Image supplied).

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What is the Sydney Writers’ Festival?

Sydney Writers’ Festival is a citywide celebration of literature that brings people together to share books, writing and ideas. Storytellers of all different kinds assemble to join the week of fun, including the world’s best novelists, poets, journalists, intellectuals, economists, politicians, podcasters and scientists. Not only do they showcase their writing, but they also gather to discuss some of the most pressing issues of our time, opening up conversations through panel sessions, activities and presentations.

The Sydney Writers’ Festival CEO, Brooke Webb, said:

“Sydney Writers’ Festival is proud to partner with the State Library of NSW — a relationship that began almost 30 years ago, when some of our earliest events were held there.

“This new chapter allows us to extend the spirit of the Festival year-round, engaging loyal audiences and inviting new readers to discover the power of books, stories, and ideas. United by a shared commitment to literature and learning, we’re working together to champion more writers, inspire readers, and nurture vibrant literary communities across NSW.”

The next iteration of the Sydney Writers’ Festival will take place in May 2026, with the official dates yet to be announced.

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