Friends of the National Library of Australia

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The Friends of the National Library of Australia was founded in 1990 to promote the National Library and to foster community support for its activities.

There has never been a better time to join the Friends!

As well as making new friends, you will be invited to join in a range of cultural events offered throughout the year, including literary weekends, exhibition tours and evenings spent with prominent authors, researchers and poets. Annual events include the Celebrations of Australian Book Culture and the Kenneth Myer Lecture.

You will also be a friend to one of the most beautiful and majestic buildings in Australia, set in the cultural centre of the capital of Australia, Canberra. Members of the Friends of the National Library receive a calendar listing Friends and other Library events each quarter and are also sent monthly updates with their complimentary copy of National Library of Australia News.

Benefits

• Invitations and reduced admission prices to the exciting program of Friend's events, including lectures, workshops, seminars and special tours of exhibitions;
• Use of the exclusive Friends Lounge;
• A monthly copy of National Library of Australia News;
• 15% discount at the National Library Bookshop;
• 10% discount at the National Library's bookplate restaurant for purchases over $2.00;
• Discounts at selected booksellers;
• Discounts at selected Canberra motels;
• Reduced admission prices to Canberra Theatre Trust productions;
• Reciprocal benefits with other libraries and selected institutions in Australia; and
• A free copy of the book produced to mark each year's celebration of Australian book culture through a prominent literary figure.

Celebrations of Australian Book Culture

Each year, the Friends of the National Library of Australia celebrate the work of an eminent figure in the world of Australian literature and publishing.

• 2003 - David Williamson
• 2002 - Mem Fox
• 2001 - David Malouf
• 2000 - Rosemary Dobson
• 1999 - Tim Winton: A Celebration

Committee

The Friends are advised by a committee of 14 members. Committee members range in background and experience and are all members of the Friends. The committee is elected at the annual general meeting held during the Christmas party in December. Nominations are called for at least a month in advance.

Becoming a Friend

To become a Friend simply fill in our Application for Membership.

More information

If you would like more information about the Friends please contact:

Lauren Donald, Executive Officer
Friends of the National Library of Australia
telephone: +61 (0)2 6262 1551
facsimile: +61 (0)2 6273 4493
email: friends@nla.gov.au