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About Us

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.

Our permanent exhibitions

The State Library has several permanent exhibitions, artwork displays and memorial including the Mortlock Chamber bays, the story wall, artworks and memorials inside and out. Find out more about our permanent exhibitions.

Virtual tours of some spaces

Mortlock Chamber - 360o panorama - read more about the iconic Mortlock Chamber.

Circulating Library - 360o panorama - in the Institute Building.

Research Library - 360o panorama - in the Spence Wing.

Read more about our buildings

Institute Building [B 10391]

Institute Building

The Institute Building houses the Hetzel Lecture Theatre, the Circulating Library, the Centre of Democracy, and our resident organisations. You can also 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.  Follow the link to view a 360o image of the Reference Library.  

Mortlock Chamber, photo taken by Toby Woolley

Mortlock Chamber

The Mortlock Chamber houses the exhibition bays on the ground floor, quiet study areas on level 2 and the Sir Josiah Symon Library on level 3.