After its most significant transformation in decades, the State Library’s newly refurbished Macquarie Street Building is now open.
We know how deeply people value the Library, and this major upgrade builds on what we do best — offering an uplifting, welcoming and accessible space for everyone to use and enjoy.
I am pleased (and relieved) that we were able to complete this work in less than seven months and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during the temporary closure of the Macquarie Street Building.
I can’t wait to welcome you back to experience the new-look Bashir Reading Room which has been reimagined as a more accessible and beautiful space. We’re committed to providing a living library that will continue to deliver essential services and inspiring spaces for readers and visitors to study, gather and create, now and into the future. The bookshop and cafe have also been expanded to meet demand.
The building has been fully transformed by the bold, contemporary vision of award-winning architect Andrew Andersons AO, who designed our underground Library Auditorium and the original 1988 Macquarie Street Building. The work was undertaken in association with Cullen Feng Architects.
Our commitment to reuse as much as possible, maximise energy efficiency, use natural materials, and select durable furniture informed every design decision. I am proud to say that many tables in the Bashir Reading Room were refurbished, and some excess furniture is being reused by local libraries and by the charity Relove to furnish homes for people in need.
The refurbishment was made possible thanks to the NSW Government and generous private benefactors.
With the doors to the Macquarie Street Building reopened, we’re looking forward to celebrating the Library’s 200th Anniversary with you in 2026.
An exciting program of events and activities is planned. We look forward to sharing more with you in the New Year.
Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon
State Librarian
