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The State Library commemorates distinguished South Australians and major benefactors in its naming of buildings, rooms and spaces.

Who names the buildings and spaces?

Building names are suggested by senior State Library staff and a number of South Australians with connections to the State Library. A consultation process follows with family or estates of the people selected. The formal approval process involves the Libraries Board of South Australia and in the case of the building names, the Geographical Names Act 1991 and the Minister responsible for the Arts.

Find out more about the State Library's benefactors and donated collections.

Institute Building [B 10391]

Institute Building

The Institute Building houses the Hetzel Lecture Theatre, the Circulating Library, the Centre of Democracy, and our tenants

View a 360o image of the Circulating Library.

Spence Wing glass foyer enterance

Spence Wing

The Spence Wing houses the Hub, State Library Gallery and the Cafe on the ground floor. Level 2 houses the reference library, information desk, Treasures Wall and entrance to the Mortlock Chamber. 

View a 360o image of the Reference Library.  

Mortlock Chamber, photo taken by Toby Woolley

Mortlock Wing

The Mortlock Wing houses the exhibition bays on the ground floor, quiet study areas on level 2 and the Sir Josiah Symon Library on level 3. It is also a venue for hire and sometimes closed to the public.

View a 360o image of the Mortlock Chamber