The Library That Made Me

The Library That Made Me

The Library that Made Me celebrates 200 years of the State Library of NSW – its evolution, its remarkable collection and its people. The Library has earned its enduring place in the heart of the city, and in the hearts of readers and visitors everywhere.

In the early days members were vetted, women weren’t welcome and having fiction on the shelves raised eyebrows. Libraries today are vibrant cultural hubs open to all and are shaped by the people they serve.

A love letter to libraries everywhere, The Library that Made Me is a book readers will want on permanent loan. It will make you wonder about the library that made you.

Publisher UNSW Press UNSW
Author Phillipa McGuinness
Country Australia
Publication Date 21/05/2026
Pages 244
Edition first
Size 14.53 x 2.34 x 21.67 cm
About the Author Phillipa McGuinness is former Executive Publisher at NewSouth, editor of Copyfight, and author of The Year Everything Changed 2001 and Skin Deep.
Publisher Address enquiries@unswpress.com.au
ISBN 9781761170713