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B73787
  • Event series
  • Children's University

Ahoy Maties!

Free family drop-in activity

On now

Free, bookings not required

Original books that commenced the State Library's collection
  • Event

Tuesday Talks: Books in my life with Hon Chris Schacht

Presented by the Friends of the State Library

Tuesday 7 April

Free, booking required

Critical Convo Image April 2026
  • Event

Critical Conversations - Trophy Boys and The Importance of Being Earnest

presented by State Theatre Company South Australia

Monday 13 April

$10.00 per person
Bookings required

Duck and the darklings
  • Event

Waxing with words

workshop with children's author Glenda Millard

Wednesday 15 April

$5.00 per person
Bookings required

Thistle Anderson and the red book cover
  • Event series
  • Stories from the Stacks

A Lady Writer, a Little Red Book and a City in Uproar

Discover writer and actress Thistle Anderson

Tuesday 21 April

Free, bookings essential

Anzac Cove, Gallipoli
  • Event series
  • National Archives of Australia - SA Selections

Remembering the first Anzacs

Tuesday 28 April

Free, booking required

Teen Writers
  • Event

Teen Writers Club: Term 2

Presented by Writers SA

Every Saturday from 2 May to 27 June

$200.00 per person
Bookings required

AGSA Start Art Book Club
  • Event series
  • Children's University

Start Art Book Club

An art and literature adventure

Sunday 3 May
Sunday 5 July
Sunday 4 October

Free, booking required

Two boats and fortress on headland by William Light PRG1_5_184
  • Event series
  • South Australia's History Festival

Rare Books and Manuscripts of the State Library

Monday 4 May
Monday 11 May
Monday 18 May

Free, booking required

Premises of T. Judd & Son B69400
  • Event series
  • South Australia's History Festival

Overland to Darwin 1926

A film by Clarence Judd

Monday 4 May

Free, booking required

John Martin's North Terrace Frontage at dusk BRG121_1_244
  • Event series
  • South Australia's History Festival

The History of John Martin's

Wednesday 6 May

Free, booking required

Colonel William Light B6704 cropped
  • Event series
  • South Australia's History Festival

In a Different Light

The Life Story of Colonel William Light

Thursday 7 May

Free, booking required

Tours hosted by our Ambassadors 

Immerse yourself in South Australia's heritage with a tour through our buildings and exhibitions.

Learn about our services and hear stories of people and events that helped shape life in South Australia.

Find out more about our private group tours for more than ten people.

Keep up to date with What's On at the state library

What's on nearby

'Place of creation' by Elisabeth Butterworth

Friends of the State Library

From all walks of life, the Friends have supported the State Library of South Australia (SLSA) with a tradition of cultural philanthropy over eight decades, to enrich and promote its collections and treasures for scholarly and public interest.

Centre of Democracy, interior image of the exhibition space.

Centre of Democracy

Discover the people and ideas that have shaped democracy in South Australia, and the power of your voice in it. 

Open daily with free admission, the Centre of Democracy is located in the Institute Building, corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue.

Rosa Fiveash, Billy Buttons on a cushion in the Redbubble shop.

Shop for gifts

Looking for that bespoke gift for someone special or something for your home?

Explore our online gift store featuring items from the State Library’s collections, and find a range of products, including home décor, wall art, stationery, clothing, bags, and more.

Plan your visit

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid (metered) street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available on the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include  study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.