What's on

View the Library's current and upcoming workshops, events, talks and exhibitions. Join us in person or online (where available).

Two students browsing books on the Main Library collection shelves.
Discover your Library

Did you know UNSW Library is the perfect place to start your study journey? Join us for a tour or a short introduction at one of our Libraries!

  • Main Library - Monday 9 to Friday 13 February
  • Law Library - Wednesday 11 February
  • UNSW Paddington Library - Wednesday 11 February

Limited sessions available, registration required.

In person
A smiling Library staff member is handing out a Cover Crush mural merchandise to a student.
Cover Crush

Inspired by the Cover Crush mural, this activity invites you to get acquainted with our book collection in real life. Share your book shelfies to claim your limited edition tote bag and pencil case!

Tuesday 10 February, 1pm - 3pm.
Main Library

Drop-in - no registration.

In person
Two Library Peer Mentors standing besides a large green standing sign with the text 'Library Peer Mentors'.
Library Peer Mentors: Trivia & Meet and greet

Are you new to UNSW? Would you like to meet other students and find out more about what student life is like at UNSW? Join us for light refreshments and a casual chat or try your luck at UNSW related trivia to win prizes.

  • Trivia - Tuesday 10 February, 3pm - 4.30pm.
  • Meet and greet - Thursday 12 February, 3pm - 4pm.

Registration required.

In person
An open book set on top of a circuit board with glowing blue holographic lines coming out of the book.
Library Hacks for AI

Ever wonder how generative AI can enhance your studies? Curious about the hidden tips, tricks and considerations for students? Join this interactive workshop to learn about AI at university, how to critically assess these tools, and navigate Library resources.

  • Tuesday 10 February, 2pm - 2.30pm
  • Thursday 12 February, 2pm - 2.30pm

Registration required.

In person
Students stand near a glass display case containing fossils. One student is leaning down to look at an item within.
Behind the scenes: Exhibitions tour

Join us during O-Week for a tour of our current exhibitions, displays, and murals. There will also be a giveaway of limited-edition artist merchandise!

Thursday 12 February, 1pm - 1.45pm.
Main Library

Registration required.

In person
A librarian presenting in front of students inside the Law Library.
Library Hacks

Library Hacks are a series of workshops held at the start of each term for new and returning students. They familiarise you with everything the Library has to offer and help you develop key skills needed for success at UNSW.

Explore upcoming events.

In person
Two Library Peer Mentors standing next to the Library Peer Mentors sign in the Main Library foyer. They are in green uniforms and smiling at the camera.
Library Peer Mentors

Need help with your academic studies and university life? Drop in or book ahead during term time.

Register for our free activities.

Library Peer Mentors will be back from Week 1 in Term 1, 2026.

Find out more.

In person
A smiling woman sits at a wooden desk with a coloured pencil in hand. She is colouring in a large white sheet of paper with images of Australian animals and flowers.
Creative Space Drop-in Artmaking

Creative Space is a free, drop-in drawing activity responding to the Library Exhibition Revealing Riversleigh. Inspired by the diet of pygmy-possums, with references drawn from books in UNSW Library’s Special Collections. Everyone is welcome to stay as long or as little as you like.

From 9 February.
Level 5 Main Library

Drop-in - no registration.

In person
A man stands in an exhibition space speaking to an audience
Revealing Riversleigh Laboratory Tour

Join us for a tour of the Library exhibition Revealing Riversleigh, followed by a behind-the-scenes visit to the Palaeontology Laboratory. This tour offers a rare glimpse into research that helps scientists understand modern-day climate change, biodiversity loss and wildlife conservation.

Wednesday 25 February, 12.30pm - 2pm

Registration required.

In person
Group of students walking and talking on green lawn area with covered walkway visible in the background.
Community Cohesion

Join us at the Library for a range of engaging events, including bibliotherapy talks, LEGO building, media literacy workshops and responsible use of AI. Connect with the UNSW community, build networks and strengthen connections.

2 March - 10 April

These events are part of the ALIA Community Cohesion initiative, delivered by UNSW Library.

Explore all.

In person/Online
Pair of hands shown using blue handled scissors to cut circular white shape. Yellow, green and red circles, some with black book stack icon and text lie on the white table. A pile inside are inside a plastic bag next to a pink pencil.
Badge making in the Library

Express yourself creatively and design a badge or decorate a pre-printed design. We provide all the free materials - just bring your imagination!

Monday 2 March, 2pm
Main Library

Everyone is welcome, no registration required.

In person
Two people seated next to each other are reading books. They are facing the UNSW Main Library Leisure reads display shelves.
Bibliotherapy at the Library

Susan McLaine introduces Bibliotherapy through guided listening and gentle reflection to demonstrate how stories can support steadiness and perspective.

No analysis, no prior reading necessary and no pressure to share.

Slow down, listen and connect.

  • Tuesday 3 March, 11am and 2pm
  • Wednesday 4 March, 2pm

Registration required.

In person
Four people seated on grass outdoors. They are laughing and petting a golden labrador retriever in the centre.
Therapy dogs in the Library

Spending just a few minutes interacting with therapy dogs can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, promote a sense of calm, and improve overall mood.

Join us for a relaxing visit with the Nepean Therapy Dogs.

Thursday 12 March, 11.30am 
Library Study Lounge, Level 2 Main Library

Drop-in, no registration.

In person
Collage of images with people in conversations
Publishing your research: What you need to know

Are you looking to publish research? Do you know how to make your work open access and retain your author rights?

Join us for an approachable introduction to publishing your work.

  • Friday 13 March, 10am - 11am
  • Wednesday 14 May, 2pm - 3pm
  • Wednesday 15 July, 10am - 11am
  • more dates available

Register now.

Online
Three students seated inside a library. They are laughing and building lego together.
LEGO at the Library: Build, Connect, Belong

Join in, switch off, and build with LEGO at the Library. This relaxed session creates space to meet people, share ideas, and reflect on what makes the Library feel welcoming and supportive.

Multiple sessions available on Tuesday 17 March.

Registration required/Drop-in.

In person
A vast, semi-arid landscape revealing orange dirt, green shrubbery, and a small hill peaking with a cluster of large rocks.
Revealing Riversleigh

This exhibition presents fossils from Riversleigh World Heritage Area that provide unique insights into the processes that shaped Australia’s present biodiversity.

Exhibition:
Until 13 March 2026.
Level 5 Main Library

 

In person
A colour illustration of a Tasmania tiger, a dog-like animal with a sandy-brown coat, and dark stripes on its back
Drawn to Extinction

This visual legacy of the Tasmanian tiger is an icon of Australian folklore, as well as a cautionary tale imprinted onto our cultural memory.

Exhibition:
Until April 2026.
Ground Floor Law Library

In person
A hand clasps at a tiny red book with the title writtn in gold letters "English Dictionary"
Big to small and shapes between

This display showcases the varied shapes and sizes of books, from immense elephant folios and unique hornbooks to tiny micro books like the world's smallest dictionary.

Exhibition:
Until April 2026.
Level 3 Main Library

In person