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2016 St Peters Girls School SLSA_1879.jpg
  • tour

Discover Your State Library

Self-guided school tour

During school term

Free, bookings not required

Baby by a radio, c1938. Raymond Gordon, photographer. SLSA: PRG 1605/6/95
  • exhibition

Beyond the shelves

Fascinating stories from the State Library's collections

From 13 December 2024

Free entry

State Library ambassadors giving a tour.
  • tour

Private Tours - Make Yourself at Home

Ambassador Tour

Monday to Friday

Free, bookings not required

Mortlock Chamber, photo taken by Toby Woolley
  • tour

Make yourself at home

Ambassador Tour

Monday to Friday

Free, bookings not required

Historical Radio Society of Australia, antique radio collection.
  • exhibition

A Century of Broadcasting in South Australia

presented by the Historical Radio Society of Australia

Friday 14 February to Sunday 30 March 2025

Free entry

Comodore BRG213_13_6_2_2_1
  • Event series
  • Rear Vision: The Holden Collection

Rear Vision: Family Fun

Friday 28 February to Sunday 22 June 2025

Free, bookings not required

BRG213/30/54/fc
  • Event series
  • Rear Vision: The Holden Collection

Rear Vision: the Holden Collection

Friday 28 February to Sunday 22 June 2025

Free entry

Terry McDermot, Terra Mater
  • exhibition

16th Solar Art Prize: Caring For Our Planet

Presented by the Royal South Australian Society of Arts

Sunday 23 March to Sunday 20 April 2025

Free entry

Schoolchildren, Beachport
  • Event series
  • National Archives of Australia - SA Selections

Migrant pathways and the Corigliano legacy

Presented by National Archives of Australia

Tuesday 25 March 2025

Free, booking required

Holden
  • Event series
  • Rear Vision: The Holden Collection

Life in 1948: the arrival of Holden

Wednesday 26 March 2025

Free, bookings essential

Additional photographs (folio 1) relating to South Australia
  • Event

RGSSA Monthly lectures

Presented by Royal Geographical Society of South Australia

Multiple dates

Free, booking required

BRG213_30_5_4_2
  • Event series
  • Rear Vision: The Holden Collection

Holden car showcases

Saturday 29 March 2025
Saturday 5 April 2025
Saturday 12 April 2025

Free, bookings not 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.

Visit our online Gift Shop

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 quiet 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.