The State Library of Tasmania was established by the Libraries Act in 1943. Our role is to collect the documentary history of the state and copy of every publication produced here. Our growing collection includes contemporary works by modern Tasmanian writers as well as a rich weight of historical material.
Much of the collection, including old newspapers, has been digitised. It is available through Trove and Flickr, alongside the Tasmanian Archives content. These are valuable resources for all curious minds and are especially welcomed by family historians.
The State Library contributes to Tasmanian Government priorities, including education and tourism. Our collections enable us to produce authentic Tasmanian curriculum-related content to support learning in schools. They are also a draw card for visitors on the cultural trail.
The State Library of Tasmania plays a leadership role in libraries. As part of National and State Libraries Australasia we work closely with libraries across Australian and New Zealand. We are one of nine libraries behind the National edeposit. This ground-breaking service captures and preserves Australia’s documentary history.
The State Library and Archives Trust was established under the 1984 Libraries Act. The Trust awards grants aimed at advancing library and archives knowledge in Tasmania, contributing to the sector nationally.
In the 1960s, the State Library received donations of the Allport and the W L Crowther collections. Parts of these collections form a boutique permanent exhibition at the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts.
Our historical collections include many colonial depictions of Tasmanian Aboriginal people and culture. This content does not reflect current understanding and is provided in historical context. These sources offer information about the lives of Tasmanian Aboriginal people since colonisation. While these items can be confronting, they are a valuable record of history which should not be forgotten.
Given the deep cultural significance of these items and the range of related publications and content held in the State Library and the Tasmanian Archives we aspire to become a place of connection, healing, and reflection for Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
