Melbourne
Rare Book Week

Jul-Aug 2026

A free city-wide festival celebrating the written, printed and illustrated word, proudly presented by Rare Books Melbourne.

Explore the 2026 event

For the twelfth year, we are pleased to offer a rich selection of lectures, talks exhibitions and events that celebrate and explore the wonderful collections and amazing expertise that Melbourne, a UNESCO City of Literature, has to offer. Our exciting program demonstrates how books and the stories that they tell can enrich the lives of us all.

This year’s highlights

From glorious pictures depicting the Victorian gold fields to celebrations of children’s books, highlighted by the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh; from Melbourne’s oldest lending library to The City of Melbourne’s newest branch library; from artists’ books to the latest trends in graphic novels; from books about food to books ancient and modern that give us food for thought, we are confident that there is something for everyone during this year’s Rare Book Week.

what’s on