Wednesday 3 December Read More
Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts
For over 190 years, the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts (SMSA) has been a gathering place for curious minds and a welcoming home for readers, writers, thinkers and lifelong learners.
As the home of Australia’s longest-running lending library and the Tom Keneally Centre, the SMSA stands at the heart of Sydney’s cultural and literary life; a place where ideas spark, stories are celebrated and community thrives.
Our vibrant year-round program brings people together through lively author talks, thought-provoking discussions, engaging book clubs, exhibitions and free films for our members.
Come and discover what’s on – be part of Sydney’s story!
A piece of SMSA History
Daring Debaters: Exploring SMSA artifacts at the State Library of NSW
In celebration of our rich history, the SMSA was given exclusive access to the Special Collection at the State Library of NSW.
SMSA History
An inclusive members society with a passion for sharing knowledge
Since its inception, the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts has been a meeting place for lifelong learners eager to share their knowledge and skills. A self-funded, not-for-profit organisation wholly owned by its members, SMSA has made a major contribution to Sydney’s culture, industry, society and politics since 1833.
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LIBRARY
Open to SMSA members to browse and borrow
Step into a world of 30,000 stories. Our shelves are a treasure trove, spanning gripping sci-fi, profound biographies, and every genre imaginable. But don’t miss our crown jewel: the best and most extensive collection of crime fiction collection in Sydney.
The plot thickens here!
What's On
Mechanics’ Cinema
Free
Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts
This month's theme is Fine Art: "a series of art films" Read More
Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts
Every classic has a chaotic beginning! Read More
News & Updates
Listen Again: Amanda Hampson in conversation with Catherine du Peloux Menagé
View All The SMSA hosted a conversation between author Amanda Hampson and BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival’s Artistic Director, Catherine du Peloux Menagé . This relaxed chat explores the latest addition A Cryptic Clue to the highly acclaimed A Tea Ladies Mystery series. The event was part of The Cryptic Clue: An Afternoon with Amanda Hampson which also […]
Listen Again: Dementia Journey – A Carer’s Guide to DementiaDuring Senior’s Week 2024, the SMSA hosted a talk between author’s Jennifer Muir and Blanche Antonisen to discuss their book Dementia Journey, A carer’s guide to Dementia. This book tells their story as untrained carer’s and the journey they took looking after loved ones with dementia. This was a free event which was part of […]
Listen Again: Between the Lines- Conversations on the Art of WritingIn celebration of World Day of the Writer, we were joined at the SMSA by authors Tim Ayliffe, Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Shankari Chandran and Ryan Butta. Led by Ryan, the panel shared their experiences as published authors, laughed at writing myths and discussed creative techniques and methods. This was a free event which was part […]
Membership
When you join SMSA as member, you get a wide range of benefits
Access to the SMSA Library
We are home to a unique collection of books, a highlight being our Mystery and Crime section.
Able to borrow from the Tom Keneally Centre
We are honoured to be the home of Tom Keneally’s personal collection of books, many of which have been used as research for his own work.
Access to member only events
Join a members group, share your passions, learn new skills and get involved.
Access to member only activities such as members groups
We provide a variety of member only events, these are relaxed social occasions to have fun and make new friends.