Due to major building activity our onsite school programs are temporarily on hold and will return in Term 4, 2024. To book an onsite program in Term 4 please visit our bookings page.

Still hungry for learning? Our Digital Classroom brings together material from our collection into a series of learning modules, aligned to the Australian Curriculum.

Learn more about major building activity.

Programs on offer

We have a range of engaging programs linked to Australian Curriculum content and capabilities. See School programs and guided tours for the full listing. Our programs are interactive and use inquiry-based learning methods.

Bookings

Fill in our online form to Make a group booking for school programs.

Cost

Library education programs cost $5 per student (see School programs and guided tours for more information). 

Payment

Payments and invoices

You will receive an invoice within 5 working days of your visit for the total number of students listed on your final confirmation. If more students than are booked attend on the day you will be invoiced for the larger amount. Changes to student numbers must be received by email one week prior to the scheduled booking.

Booking cancellations

Schools will be invoiced for cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice, or failure to attend without cancellation.

Getting Here

The National Library is located in the central Canberra suburb of Parkes in the Parliamentary Zone. More information on the Library's street address and parking details.

On Arrival

Please aim to arrive five minutes early for your program.

If possible leave student bags on the coach.

Check in at the Foyer Information Desk to notify your presenter of your arrival.

Wait with your group outside the Library’s front entrance to meet your presenter. Please do not wait in the Library Foyer. Your Library presenter will meet you at the front entrance.

Place bags or water bottles in storage trolleys or in our free self-service lockers located on Lower Ground 1.

The Library has limited storage facilities for bags. No responsibility is taken by the Library for the loss of valuable items or bags.

Library Etiquette

As a courtesy to your presenter and Library patrons:

  • Please turn mobile phones off or to silent in advance of your tour commencing, and during any time spent in the Reading Rooms and Gallery
  • Photography is restricted in some parts of the Library. Please ask your presenter for details.

To help protect the national collection, please do not:

  • Eat or drink during school tours and presentations
  • Touch Library displays or equipment.

Onsite Facilities

Toilets

Toilets are located at the entrance to Main Reading Room on the Ground Floor and adjacent to the Theatre on Lower Ground 1.

Eating spaces

The Library has no internal spaces for students and teachers to eat morning tea or lunch. However, you are welcome to use the grounds around the Library or the limited outdoor shelters and BBQ facilities available at Reconciliation Place.

Wet weather

The Library has limited undercover areas for large groups of students. Parking is not undercover. In case of wet weather, please have an alternative location planned for meal breaks, and wet weather gear for staff and students.

Access

Facilities for students with a disability are available. Facilities for visitors includes information on ramps and wheelchairs, as well as for users with a vision or hearing impairment.

Please contact the Bookings Officer if you have any queries.

Teacher / Group Coordinator Responsibilities

Student behaviour, safety and security are the teachers’ responsibility. Groups must be supervised and accompanied by a teacher or responsible adult at all times.

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