Explore upcoming events

Have a lavish literary weekend at Homegrown

With 29 completely free events, Homegrown is our most accessible program yet. To help you make the most of it we’ve put together an itinerary of how your weekend could look on 18–19 September. See brilliant writers, topical conversations and all-round bookish joy this spring at the State Library of NSW – all for free.

And remember, if any events you’re interested in are sold out there will be limited tickets available at the door on the day.

Friday 18 September

5.45pm | The Novelists' Book Club

Kick off your Friday evening with acclaimed writers Tony Birch, Emily Perkins and Charlotte Wood as they share the Australian and New Zealand books that have shaped their writing lives with host Michael Williams.

7.30pm | Angry Millenials

Finished another hard week of work and still can't find any of those "bootstraps" to pull yourself up by? Then you'll want to blow off some steam with Amy Thunig-McGregor, Jack Toohey and Fiona Wright as they discuss the housing crisis as a defining experience for a generation with Patrick Lenton.

4
1
2
3
4
1
of 4

Saturday 19 September

12.30pm | Secret Life of Books LIVE with Tony Birch

After your Saturday morning ritual of choice, get your day rolling as Tony Birch discusses his Miles Franklin Literary Award–shortlisted novel Blood and Barry Hines' modern British classic A Kestrel for a Knave in this live edition of the literary podcast Secret Life of Books with Jonty Claypole and Sophie Gee.

1.30pm | Lunch break in the Library

Grab a bite from the Library Cafe lunch menu or explore the collections of Australia's oldest library.

2.30pm | The Future of Democracy: Australia in the 21st Century

After lunch, join journalist and political analyst George Megalogenis to analyse Australia’s political future and the fate of our democracy in the next instalment of The Future of Democracy series with Nick Bryant and Rosalind Dixon.

4pm | ABC Radio National’s Top 100 Australian Books: First Nations Edition

Get ready to take notes and revel in outstanding stories from the world’s oldest storytelling tradition with Bruce Pascoe, Kirli Saunders, Melanie Saward and host Rudi Bremer.

5pm | Drinks with a view

Head up to The Library Bar on the rooftop for a drink and a classic Sydney spring sunset.

6pm | Garth Nix: Massif

Head back down to the lower ground floor to join Garth Nix in conversation with Luke Bateman as they discuss the international bestselling author’s first foray into adult sci-fi, the new space opera Massif.

7.30pm | Meet Cute and Queer

And finally, cap off your bookish weekend with a hot, hilarious and honest look at writing romance, desire and identity with Joshua Hortinela, Patrick Lenton and host Madeleine Gray.

And if you've still got the bookish bug after all that, we've got even more Homegrown events in October for you to explore. We can't wait to see you there!

Continue reading...
Back to top