Members' Library | Public Talks | Tom Keneally Centre | Venue Hire
MEMBERS' LIBRARY | PUBLIC TALKS | TOM KENEALLY CENTRE | VENUE HIRE
Celebrating 188 years in 2021, SMSA is the oldest operating School of Arts and operates the longest-running lending library in Australia. Since colonial times, the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts has made a major contribution to Sydney’s culture, industry, society and politics. Today, the School continues to operate longest-runnin
24/06/2026
Thank you again to the incredibly generous Candice Fox for the autographs! Absolutely cracking Bad Book Club today!!
We have ALL the Fox books in the library available to borrow - although someone may have borrowed Hades today 👀
24/06/2026
The June Bad Book Club is on! Delighted to have the wonderful Candice Fox here with the ever astute Sue Turnbull to lead the discussion.
23/06/2026
An absolute pleasure having these legends on stage. The banter was 💯
Can’t wait for the new books gentlemen! And a special thx to Woollahra Bookshop for being our bookseller and supporting authors 📚
15/06/2026
Join us for a special members-only film screening featuring an acclaimed science-fiction adventure that explores space, time, courage, and the power of human connection!
🗓️ Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 12.30pm
📍 Henry Carmichael Theatre, Level 1
🎟️ Free for Members
Book now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/reel-life-matinee-interstellar-tickets-1975372553483
22/05/2026
Another round of incredible books finished by our members.
From unforgettable characters to thought-provoking themes, these books sparked conversation, reflection, and plenty of surprising plot twists.
Featured titles:
- The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
- After the Worst Has Happened by Richard Gosling
- Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
Have you read any of these? Tell us your options below!
13/05/2026
With the Sydney Writers' Festival just around the corner, our shelves are bursting with fresh new reads. From bold new fiction to thought-provoking memoirs and page-turning conversations starters, we’ve rounded up a few standout titles — with plenty more waiting to be discovered in the library.
So, step into fantastical worlds, unpack big ideas, and hear stories both real and imagined as the festival takes over Carriageworks, Sydney Town Hall and venues across the city from 17–24 May. Find out more via the Sydney Writers' Festival website.
11/05/2026
Secrets. Suspects. Stories that refuse to give up their answers easily.
Our latest Mystery Spotlight features eight captivating novels filled with puzzling crimes, layered characters, and twists that will keep you guessing to the very last page.
We’re especially thrilled to highlight the newest release from Ashley Kalagian Blunt... who will be in attendance at this month's BAD Sydney Crime Book Club at SMSA!
We’re excited to share some of the brand-new books that have just arrived at the SMSA Library!
Whether you're looking for your next big adventure, a thought-provoking read, or a cozy escape, you’re sure to find a title that sparks your interest.
Stop by the SMSA Library, explore what’s new, and discover your next great read... We’d love to hear what you think!
29/04/2026
Our librarians have been immersed in great books this month... see what they loved.
Have you read any of these? Drop your thoughts below or come chat with us in the library!
28/04/2026
We’ve added 10 new titles to our ebook collection via the Lippy App this month... featuring a mix of stories, genres, and authors that you’ll love.
We’re spotlighting just a few here:
📙 Murder by the Book by M. R. G. Davies
📘 The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
📗 Click by Sarah Bailey
📕 Judy Blume by Mark Oppenheimer
📔 The News from Dublin by Colm Tóibín
Tap in, start reading, and enjoy your next great read.
