SMSA (Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts)
The heart of the SMSA, our Library on level 2 is the longest-running lending library in Australia, operating since 1833. Our collection is unique, with our members calling it the ‘best fiction library in Sydney’. You’ll find books on our shelves that you won’t find in other libraries — and our Mystery and Crime section is of particular pride. Our ebooks, audiobooks and emagazines are also very popular.
- Borrow up to five (5) items per subscription, in any combination of books or magazines.
- Loan period of 8 weeks for books and 2 weeks for new books and magazines.
- 24/7 access to ebooks and audiobooks loans of up to 21 days. Read on your computer, smartphone, ereader or tablet.
- Download emagazines using your computer, smartphone or tablet — and keep them for as long as you like.
- Access a range of Sydney, national and international newspapers.
- Test drive an iPad for up to 21 days.
- Use our members’ computers.
- Print documents free of charge, provided your request is not excessive.
The Tom Keneally Centre — Level 3
SMSA is proud to be the home of the Tom Keneally Centre. Affectionately known as the TKC, it is Thomas Keneally’s living legacy to Australia, holding books Tom has read and/or used to research his various books. Devoted to Australian literature and history, the TKC hosts literary activities such as writing classes, readings and author talks, and is Tom’s office in the city.
- Visit the Tom Keneally Centre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30am – 2:30pm.
- Borrow books from the TKC for up to 4 weeks.
- Explore the ‘red dot collection’ that hs hand-written notes by Tom Keneally explaining its significance to him and why it has a place in his library.
- Read newspapers or use the members computer.
- Attend readings, author talks, writing classes and workshops in the TKC.
- Tom Keneally works in the TKC on a regular basis and is usually happy to have a chat.
Members’ Activities & Events
In addition to our Public Talks and Events, we also run members’ only events periodically throughout the year. Members may:
- Participate in members’ groups such as Mah Jong, Poetry at SMSA and the Mystery and Crime Reading Group.
- Come along to free members’ morning teas and events held during the year.
- Take part in members’ outings to places or events of interest in and around Sydney.
- Come along on our annual Members’ Bus Trip, exploring places of historic and cultural interest, and highlighting our sister Schools of Arts.
- Celebrate at our annual Members’ Christmas Party, while enjoying artworks by the students and staff of the Julian Ashton Art School.
Public Talks and Events
The Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts runs a robust program of talks, seminars and screenings which are free and open to both members and the general public.
- Enjoy free talks covering an eclectic mix of history, science, current affairs, art, literature, and travel, and more.
- Attend workshops and classes including Writing Masterclasses with Tom Keneally.
- Watch classic films from Hollywood and across the world for free.
- Enrich your life across mind, body and spirit with our Good Life Seminars that cover health, well-being, lifestyle and other issues that matter to you.
