The ''quiet, please'' reputation of the State Library of NSW is receiving a youthful makeover with the institution opening a new purpose-built children's learning centre and plans afoot to introduce its first dedicated children's library.

State Librarian John Vallance's plan to open more family-friendly spaces and bring the library's collection to life for the school-aged while preserving a focus on scholarship and research comes courtesy of a $1 million donation from John B Fairfax – and a harmoniously reconfigured wing next to the Mitchell Library with soundproof doors.

"What we are trying to do is make the library more accessible to absolutely everyone," Mr Vallance said. "Regardless of who you are and your age you will be able to come here at any time and find something that is interesting without having to know what it was before you came."

Among year 6 students of Neutral Bay Public there was initial grudging enthusiasm for Monday's excursion to the State Library, said teacher Carole Brown.

That was before they realised they could explore the world of Shakespeare in costumes that brought the Elizabethan era to life or could dress as convicts and settlers and insert themselves, via a green screen, into a painted panorama of 1817 colonial life.

Manager of Learning Services, Megan Perry, said the library was a rich repository of stories reflecting Australia's past present and future and children learned best when they are "absolutely immersed in history and literature".