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Name: Water's Edge
Address: Parkes

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National Library of Australia

3.8

4.8/583 Reviews

Open today at 09:00-17:00

M39***74:“📍 Location ‌Address‌: Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600, located on the south bank of Lake Burley Griffin, adjacent to iconic buildings such as the Australian Parliament House and the National Gallery. Transportation: It is easily accessible from the center of Canberra by foot or by bus (such as R2, R3, etc.). Self-driving cars can be parked in the free parking lot inside the museum. ‌📚 Collection Resources‌ Large scale: The collection contains more than 10 million items, including books, journals, manuscripts, maps, photographs, music, digital resources, etc., and is particularly famous for its Australian local history, culture and Aboriginal studies materials. ‌Featured Collection‌: Rare manuscripts by Australian writers and artists (such as Captain Cook's logbook and the manuscripts of Nobel Prize winner Patrick White). Over 400,000 historical photographs and maps documenting Australia's development from colonial times to the present day. There are a wealth of digital resources, including online databases, e-books and archives (such as the Trove platform, which provides free access to millions of records). ‌🌟 Services and Facilities‌ Research Support: Provide professional literature retrieval and reference consultation services to scholars, students and the public. You need to apply for a free Reader Card to enter the reading room. Exhibitions and Events: Permanent and special exhibitions are open to the public free of charge, covering topics such as Australian history, literature, and art. For example, the “Treasures Gallery” exhibits the museum’s treasures. ‌Guided Tours and Education‌: Free guided tours are provided (by appointment only), suitable for visitors to learn about the library's architecture and history. Lectures, workshops and children's activities are held regularly. ‌Digital Services‌: The official website provides access to a vast array of online resources to support remote research. ‌🏛Architectural Features‌ The main building of the library is in the Beaux-Arts style, with a magnificent exterior and an interior that features a fusion of marble, stained glass and modern art decorations. ‌Signature Elements‌: The bronze sculpture "The Pillars of Civilization" at the entrance. The stained glass dome and giant tapestry "The Australian Dream" in the central hall. The Ferguson Room on the top floor is designed in a classical style and is suitable for quiet reading. ‌🕒 Opening hours‌ Main Building: Monday to Thursday 9:00–20:00, Friday to Saturday 9:00–17:00, Sunday 13:30–17:00. Exhibition area: 10:00–17:00 daily (some special exhibitions are open until the evening). Recommended visit duration: 1.5–3 hours. ‌📌 Notes‌ Please keep quiet in the library and eating and drinking are prohibited in some areas. Photography is allowed, but please avoid using flash. Some special exhibitions may restrict photography. Check the official website for exhibitions and event schedules in advance to avoid missing out on what you are interested in.”