Melbourne Rare Book Week (MRBW) is an annual celebration of books, ideas, history, and collecting. It features free public lectures, exhibitions, discussions, and events presented by leading libraries, historical societies, and literary organisations.
The next MRBW will run 23 July – 1 August 2026, with the ANZAAB Melbourne Rare Book Fair held 30 July – 1 August 2026 at Wilson Hall, University of Melbourne.
Events are held across Melbourne at partner venues such as the State Library Victoria, the Melbourne Athenaeum Library, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, and other cultural institutions.
Yes. Melbourne Rare Book Week events are traditionally free and open to the public, though some may require advance booking due to limited seating.
Bookings open when the annual program is released. Each event listing includes booking instructions or links.
The full program is expected to be released closer to the event dates in 2026.
Events include:
Rare Books Melbourne is the organisation behind Melbourne Rare Book Week. It coordinates events, partnerships, and the annual ANZAAB Rare Book Fair.
Partners include major libraries, historical societies, universities, and literary organisations across Melbourne. The website lists all current partners each year.
Cultural, academic, and literary organisations can contact the committee to discuss partnership or event proposals.
The Gary Morgan Oration is a keynote annual lecture featuring a distinguished speaker. In 2026, the oration will be delivered by writer Simon Plant at the Melbourne Athenaeum Library.
You can reach the committee through the Contact page.
Opportunities may be available depending on the year’s program. Contact the committee to express interest.
You can reach the committee through the Contact page.
