A palimpsest is a manuscript that has been written over, allowing the old and the new to exist together.

To mark the State Library of NSW's 200th anniversary, Story Factory has partnered with one of Australia's oldest public institutions to publish Palimpsest - a new collection of poetry by students from Bonnyrigg High School, Chifley College Dunheved and Holroyd High School. Inspired by the Library's collections, these young writers have created a literary palimpsest of their own, writing themselves into and over the history of the State Library, so that contemporary voices sit alongside the stories, objects and archives of the past.

Please join our young authors to celebrate the launch of Palimpsest. Beginning at 10.30am, the ceremony will feature an address from the State Librarian, Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon, reflections from Story Factory staff and guest poet Dakota Feirer, and readings by young people of selected poems from the collection. All guests are warmly invited to stay for morning tea in the auditorium foyer following the ceremony.

Please contact us at hello@storyfactory.org.au with any questions. We can’t wait to see you there.

Please register your attendance by Friday 28 August 2026.

Contact the host of Palimpsest: A book launch by Story Factory and the State Library of NSW