We acknowledge the Gadigal, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Children’s art library

People browsing and reading in a modern, light-filled library.

Visitors at the children’s art library

People reading on a comfortable couch in a modern, light-filled library.

Visitors relax with books in the children’s art library

Mother and child share a book in a warm, inviting corner of the library

Visitors at the children’s art library

Father and child draw with coloured pencils in a warm, inviting corner of the library

Visitors enjoying the children’s art library

Australia’s first children’s art library, with weekly story time and year-round activities.

Opening hours

Children’s art library

Open 7 days a week 10.30am – 4pm
Wednesdays until 6.30pm
Closed Christmas Day (25 December)

Colourful, light-filled and welcoming, the Ashley Dawson-Damer Children’s Art Library is located in the research library at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It has cosy cubby houses for reading, tables for engaged learning, and a long, comfortable lounge where adults can read with younger children or older children can become absorbed in a book.

During opening hours, young people and their families can drop in, relax and explore a collection created especially for them. Discover books about art and artists, books by artists, and books about making art.

Our growing collection includes books by First Nations authors and illustrators, books in languages other than English, and books for children living with disability or access requirements. A hearing loop is active in this space.

Things to note

  • We’re not a lending library, so books and other materials cannot be borrowed.

  • Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Library events

Elevator upgrade works

The elevator connecting the ground floor with lower level 3 in the Naala Nura building is temporarily out of service while essential upgrades are completed. Until November 2026, the Domain Theatre, Library and Members Lounge on lower level 3 will be accessible via escalator only and pram parking will be available on lower level 2.

If you have accessibility needs, contact our Visitor Experience team via email visitorexperience@ag.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 9225 1700 with any inquiries.

Visitors speaking with staff at the front desk of a sunlit library

Library and archive

Everyone is welcome to the research library, home to the National Art Archive and children’s art library.

Find out more