State Library of New South Wales

The Australian Subscription Library was established in 1826 with library membership subject to committee approval. In 1827 operations began in rented premises in Pitt Street and in the two years following, the library operated from several different locations.

The library had financial problems and required more space to house its growing collections but negotiations in 1838 to construct a new library building broke down over member unwillingness to broaden access to the library.

Fortunately for the members later negotiations with the government were more successful and construction of a new library building began in 1843. The foundation stone for this new building, on the corner of Bent and Macquarie Streets, was laid by Alexander Macleay and the library was opened in 1845.

Financial difficulties continued, and by 1869 the subscription library was in serious debt. The New South Wales Government was persuaded to buy it for £5,100. In 1869, the Sydney Free Public Library opened its doors.

The library expanded its operations, opening a lending branch in 1877. This lending branch was handed to the Sydney Municipal Council in 1909 and later became the City of Sydney Library.

In 1898, prominent Sydney collector, David Scott Mitchell announced his intention to leave his collection to the people of New South Wales, subject to conditions including that the collection would be known as the "Mitchell Library". Although his offer was quickly accepted, construction of a new building needed to house the collection was delayed for several years.

The Mitchell Library officially opened in 1910. The public library remained in the Bent Street building.