This year the magic of Christmas comes to the Mortlock, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Building on the success of last year, the State Library of South Australia together with SA Power Networks are excited to bring some Christmas cheer and magic to town by lighting up the tree in the majestic Mortlock for all to enjoy.
There is something for everyone to see and discover, from the largest indoor Christmas tree in Adelaide, storytelling sessions under the tree, to fascinating and fun displays of all things Christmas from the State Library’s collections.
The sounds of Christmas including carols, and songs by Patsy Biscoe, Kamahl and Jimmy Barnes, can be heard gently floating amongst the books in the Chamber. There are also beautiful books and toys from our Children’s Literature Research Collection on display.
The Christmas display takes you back to how South Australians celebrated Christmas through the generations. See photographs from decades of South Australia’s much-loved Christmas Pageant, menus from Christmas dinners aboard ships, and more.
Geoff Strempel, Director, State Library of South Australia, says,
“The Library is again excited to bring Christmas to the Mortlock and the South Australian community. As part of the Christmas display, we are very pleased to feature some recent donations that reflect past Christmases and traditions in different countries. These generous donations have enriched our special Children’s Literature Research Collection.”
One of the donations on display in all its pop-up glory is a moveable book, Father Christmas (1961), by Czechoslovakian paper artist Vojtěch Kubašta (b.1914 Vienna, d.1992 Prague). Kubašta was one of the most prolific and inventive paper engineers in the history of children’s pop-up books. This donation brings the Library’s Kubašta pop-up works to 13.
This year’s Christmas at the Mortlock has several supporting programs, including local school choirs, books in the book nook and Christmas storytelling by local authors and storytellers.
Christmas at the Mortlock Details
On now until Sunday 9 January 2022
Open: Monday to Tuesday: 8am to 7pm
Wednesday to Friday: 8am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12 to 5pm
(closed public holidays)
Mortlock Chamber, State Library of South Australia
Corner North Terrace and Kintore Avenue
Free entry
Media enquiries
Lucy Guster
Manager, Engagement and Marketing State Library of South Australia
0409 091 829
lucy.guster@sa.gov.au