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Our venue hire program is administered by the Engagement Branch.
The following venues are available for hire:
Venues and pricing
All prices include GST.
Theatre
The capacity of the Library's Theatre (lower ground floor) is 297 people. We have the provision to cordon off the rear rows of seats to cater for smaller groups. The Theatre is typically used for formal lectures and presentations. It has clear and easy access from the Main Foyer.
The Theatre is fitted with a hearing loop, data projector, lectern, microphones, VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, CD, cassette, PC and film projectors for 32 mm and 16 mm.
| Day | Time | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | Daytime | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $900 |
| Full day (up to 8 hours) | $1200 | ||
| Evening (after 5pm) | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $900 | |
| Hourly evening charge (after 4 hours) | $210 | ||
| Sat/Sun/Public Holidays | Daytime | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $850 |
| Full day (up to 8 hours) | $1250 | ||
| Evening (after 5pm) | Minimum charge (4hrs or less) | $1000 | |
| Hourly evening charge (after 4 hours) | $250 |
*The above charges do not include cost associated with security, after-hours staffing, projectionist or AV provisions.
Main Foyer
The capacity of the Library's Foyer (ground floor) is approximately 350 people with standing room only. There are restrictions placed on the hire and use of the Foyer. Please contact Venue Hire on 02 6262 1234 for further details.
This room does not have any permanent electronic equipment.
| Day | Time | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | Daytime | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $800 |
| Full day | $1000 | ||
| Evening (after 5pm) | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $1400 | |
| Hourly evening charge (after 4 hours) | $350 | ||
| Sat/Sun/Public Holidays | Daytime | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $950 |
| Full day | $1200 | ||
| Evening (after 5pm) | Minimum charge (4hrs or less) | $1700 | |
| Hourly evening charge (after 4 hours) | $425 |
* The above charges are subject to change and do not include cost associated with security, after-hours staffing or AV provisions.
Conference Room
The Conference Room (fourth floor) capacity is 100 people seated in theatre style. In a classroom style format, the capacity is 30 people. The equipment in this room includes a permanent laptop PC, lectern, roving microphone, lapel microphone, ceiling projector and hearing loop.
Due to ongoing building works, the Conference Room cannot be hired for events between 1 January 2025 to 1 April 2025.
| Day | Time | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | Daytime | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $630 |
| Full day | $790 | ||
| Evening (after 5pm) | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $740 | |
| Hourly evening charge | $185 | ||
| Sat/Sun/Public Holidays | Daytime | Minimum charge (4 hrs or less) | $740 |
| Full day | $950 | ||
| Evening (after 5pm) | Minimum charge (4hrs or less) | $890 | |
| Hourly evening charge | $220 |
* The above charges are subject to change and do not include security, after-hours staffing or AV provisions
Venue hire services
To book a venue
Bookings and enquires should be directed to:
Manager, Venue Administration
National Library of Australia
Canberra ACT 2600
phone (02) 6262 1234
fax (02) 6262 1274
email: venuehire@nla.gov.au
Tentative bookings and cancellations
The Library will hold tentative bookings for a period for seven days, after which the booking will be cancelled unless the hirer notifies the Library in writing by returning the completed Licence for Hire agreement.
Unless the hirer provides the Library notice in writing of their intention not to use the venue 30 days prior to the commencement of the period of hire, the hirer remains responsible for payment of the charges as defined in Section 1.1 of the Licence for Hire agreement
Secretariat support services
The Library does not provide secretariat support services as part of the venue hire program. If required, this is to be sourced separately by the client. Photocopying is available onsite in the Main Reading Room, located on the ground floor.
Photography, filming or recording of events of function
The unauthorised use of photography, filming or recording equipment on Library property, including on the podium, is prohibited. A venue hire client can request to use such equipment through a written application to the Security Services Manager stating:
- who they are representing;
- the purpose of the event;
- the purpose of the photography, filming or recording;
- the exact time and date in which they are going to carrying out the photography, filming or recording; and
- the location within the Library.
Security services
For all out-of-standard-hours events, security is mandatory.
Standard Library opening hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 1:30pm to 5:00pm
These times are subject to change. Please confirm correct opening times for each event.
Security requirements are assessed by the Security Services Section in consultation with Protective Security Coordination Centre (PSCC) administered by the Attorney-General's Department.
Assessments are subject to change dependant on final event requirements, including high profile guest and audience members. All additional costs associated with hosting an out-of-hours event are passed onto the venue hire clients.
For high profile events, guest lists are required by the Security Services Section a minimum of five business days prior to the event. This list should include any persons of note. Persons of note include, but are not exclusive to, members of federal or local government including ministers and shadow ministers; high-ranking government representatives; members of the diplomatic community; and distinguished members of the private sector or public personalities.
