Explore the collections held by the State Library of South Australia.
The State Library of South Australia has a bounty of information to assist you to discover your family history.
If you are unable to visit the library in person, you may lodge a research request through our Ask Us service.
Knowing where to start researching your family history can be daunting, so we've compiled this starter guide to get you on your way to discovering your past.
We have compiled a list of top 10 family history websites to help get your research started.
We have compiled a list of top 10 family history cemetery records to help get your research started.
We have compiled a list of top 10 family history resident resources to help get your research started.
This research guide has been developed to assist Australian Aboriginal people wanting to trace members of their family, within the collections of the State Library.
Search vital records online or find where they are held. The Library has records from major churches and some undertakers and solicitors.
Check our resources for passenger arrivals and shipping movements in and out of South Australia, as well as our extensive collections focusing on life at sea.
Want to find out the history of house residents? This guide will get you started.
Originally compiled by Gerald Savill and being added to continually by State Library volunteers and staff is the Savill Index of The Advertiser Funeral Notices website, which covers funeral notices from 1971 onwards.
The State Library holds extensive church records for South Australia as well as histories and photographs of churches.
Read reports of the deaths of South Australians in the First World War or learn about your ancestor’s involvement in major conflicts.
Government records sometimes give key information for genealogy. The Library has indexes and publications including police and education gazettes and electoral rolls.
Published annually for 130 years, the State Library has digitised South Australian post office directories listing city and country households for 1864 to 1973.
The State Library Family History Collection specialises in South Australian resources and we have a range of records from other Australian states, England, Wales and Ireland.
The collection emphasises South Australian and Australian indexes to birth, death, marriage, probate and similar records, augmented by indexes from primary countries-of-origin, where these can be obtained.
A few popular family history research guides are:
Check out our full suite of research guides.
Research guidesKnowing where to start researching your family history can be daunting, so we've compiled this starter guide to get you on your way to discovering your past.
View the guideFor all your research or reference queries our librarians are here to help you!
View our policies, procedures, conditions of use and frequently asked questions about using and accessing our collections.
Did you know that State Library membership is free? Being a State Library members provides you with greater access to the collection. Check out the benefits and sign up for a card today.
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 in 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.