The State Library of South Australia’s core purpose is to collect and maintain the documented history of the state and provide access that connects people with our resources and world knowledge. To support these, we contribute to the wellbeing of the state by providing culturally enriching opportunities to our communities.

The State Library is part of the Department for the Premier and Cabinet, led by Premier The Hon. Steven Marshall MP.

Our History

South Australia differed from other Australian colonies by planning a library for public use even before settlement

Buildings and spaces

The State Library spans across three buildings. Starting on the corner of Kintore Ave and North Terrace is the Institute Building, next is the Spence Wing - our main service point, then the Mortlock Chamber.

Libraries board

Find out about the Libraries Board of South Australia, board membership, meeting minutes, annual reports of the State Library, and proactive disclosures.

Strategic plan

Corporate structure

Service principles

The State Library provides fair and equal access to all visitors. All should feel welcome and comfortable in the library.

Legal Deposit

Learn about Legal Deposit, the relevant legislation, how to make a National eDeposit (NED) and find information for South Australian publishers.

Preserving and conserving

Preserving and conserving the State Library's collection for future generations to explore and research.

Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature

Celebrating South Australia’s writing culture by offering national and State-based prizes across a range of literary genres, as well as three fellowships for South Australian writers.

Venue hire

Preserving and conserving the State Library's collection for future generations to explore and research.

Collab

Supporting innovation, new knowledge and entrepreneurship across Adelaide’s cultural precinct.
Noel Coward at the Koala Farm [B 61595]

Donate to our collections

We encourage members of the community, organisations, and businesses to consider donating material for appraisal, especially South Australiana, to increase the depth and range of the library's collections.

Delaminating acetate record disk being prepared for recording remnant content

Preserving and conserving

Learn how we are preserving and conserving the State Library's collection for future generations to explore and research.

Ask Us, Roland Eime, librarian in charge of Youth Lending, assisting a customer [B 72589/3]

Ask Us

For all your research or reference queries our librarians are here to help you!