The Mitchell Library, a building part of the State Library of NSW, opened in 1910 and contains the largest collection of books on Australia. But how did this collection come about?

Well, a rich collector, of course, says Dictionary of Sydney‘s Lisa Murray. Book collector and benefactor David Scott Mitchell used his wealth to create a collection of books on Australia that’s unmatched, and he bequeathed it to the people of New South Wales. Part of his bequest was that he required a library to house the collection.

The State Library of NSW will be opening new galleries and a learning centre in its Mitchell Library wing this week, kicking off with a free open day this Saturday 6th October. You can find more information about the event and the galleries at the State Library website.

(Image: Mitchell Library, 1942, SLNSW)