Daniel Solander Library

Explore the rich history of Australia’s oldest botanical research library, and learn how you can help support its future.

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The Daniel Solander Library was established in 1852 and is Australia's oldest botanical research library.

Its world-class collections contain over 250,000 items, including books, journals, botanical illustrations, historic photographs, manuscripts, maps, archives, archaeological artefacts, and memorabilia.

Established in 1852, the Daniel Solander Library is Australia’s oldest botanical research library.
It holds over 250,000 world-class items, including rare books, journals, botanical illustrations, historic photographs, manuscripts, maps, archives, archaeological artefacts, and memorabilia.

Why does a garden need a library?

A unique repository of horticultural and botanical knowledge since its beginning in 1852, the Daniel Solander Library holds a wealth of information from some of the earliest botanical publications up to the latest cutting edge research. It belongs to a network of scientific knowledge shared across the globe. But who was Daniel Solander? And what other treasures does the library hold?

Find out more

Be part of the library’s next chapter

By making a donation before 30 June, you’ll help revitalise and protect this irreplaceable collection through:

Expansion and refurbishment of the library to create a public-facing, interactive space for visitors of all ages
Installation of advanced climate control systems to preserve delicate materials
Creation of a designated public reading room, rare book room, and an illustration and photographic collections room
Digitisation of key collections to make them accessible to a wider audience

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the Library?

Yes – the Daniel Solander Library is open to the public by appointment. We welcome researchers, students, and anyone with an interest in botany, natural history, or horticulture to explore this remarkable collection. To arrange a visit, please contact us at 02 9231 8152 or email [email protected] to make an appointment.

Can I borrow books?

The Daniel Solander Library is a special research library which extends special borrowing rights to staff, volunteers, research associates and members of the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Members of the general public may view material onsite under the supervision of Library staff.

What are the Library’s opening hours?

The library is open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm by appointment only (excluding public holidays).

What is the oldest book in the collection?

One of the highlights of the collection is a 1550 printed edition of Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica, originally written by the 1st-century Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides. This foundational text on herbal medicine has informed botanical and medical understanding for centuries.

Can I access digital resources or search the collection online?

Selected items from the Daniel Solander Library have been digitised and are available online. We are continually working to expand digital access to the collection. Visit [insert link to digital archive or catalogue] to explore.

How can I help preserve the collection?

By making a donation, you’ll help revitalise and protect this irreplaceable collection through:

Expansion and refurbishment of the library to create a public-facing, interactive space for visitors of all ages
Installation of advanced climate control systems to preserve delicate materials
Creation of a designated public reading room, rare book room, and an illustration and photographic collections room
Digitisation of key collections to make them accessible to a wider audience