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COVID Safe Library
What you need to know when visiting the library.
Information updated 28 July 2021
Important - About your visit to the library
When is the library open?
To see when the library is open visit our Opening Hours page.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE BUILDING?
You can enter the library through the:
- glass foyer
- Institute Building, and
- Library Cafe.
Due to new restrictions Library visitors are now required to wear a mask while in the Library buildings (masks will be available on entry).
To improve contact tracing and keep our community COVID safe, when entering the library you need to check in by either:
- scanning the QR code using the COVID-Safe Check-in app, or
- completing the contact tracing form and placing it in the box provided.
When entering the library please sanitise your hands at the sanitiser stations provided.
What do I do with my bag?
As the cloaking room is closed, a set of lockers will be located outside of the Somerville Reading Room (Spence Wing, level 2) for customers using this room to store personal bags. All other bags will be allowed into the study and computer space with security monitoring the area.
Health and safety of our customer and staff
What safety and hygiene measures are in place?
Keeping our staff and customers safe remains a priority, so we continue to:
- monitor the number of people allowed in areas within the building that have capacity limits
- frequently clean high touch areas in the library including computer equipment, counters, photocopiers, handrails, in line with health advice from SA Health and the Australian Department of Health.
Protective screens are still in use at the Information Desk, level 1.
We ask you and our staff:
- If you have cold or flu symptoms or feel unwell please do not enter the building. You can still use the online resources of the library and ask for help via our Ask Us or Chat to a Librarian services.
- To follow physical distancing principles. Everyone needs to maintain at least 1.5 metres physical distance between one another at all times.
- To continue to wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes. We have hand sanitiser stations at all entries to the building and also around the library. Please sanitise your hands on entering the building, after using equipment or handling materials and visiting the toilets.
Service update
Most of our services have returned to normal.
Can I use the computers?
Yes, computers are available for customers with a State Library or Libraries SA One Card, for 2 hours per day.
Can I print or photocopy documents?
Yes, you can print or photocopy documents in the Spence Wing, level 2, but it is self-service. Library cards can be topped up at the Kiosk.
Will I be able to attend an English Language Improvement service conversation group or meet with a tutor?
Unfortunately due to the current COVID-19 situation in South Australia our English Language Improvement Service (ELIS) is on hold until further notice.
Can I speak to someone about Family History?
Yes our highly-valued Family History Service is back and available Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm.
To get you on your way to discovering your family history, we also encourage you to look at our family history starter guide.
Can I book a Group Study Room?
Yes, but to comply with physical distancing requirements our rooms have reduced capacity (2 people in the smaller rooms, 7 in the large room). Please contact the library to make a booking.
Can I book a venue for a meeting, training course or event?
Some of our hire venue spaces remain impacted by Government COVID-19 regulations.
For all enquiries please contact our:
Events and Venue Coordinator
Email: slsavenuehire@sa.gov.au.
Is the State Library Cafe open?
The State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am.
Information about exhibitions, tours, events and education programs
Will I be able to see any exhibitions?
Yes, our Treasures Wall exhibition is open. Visitors are also welcome to view the exhibition bays in the Mortlock Chamber.
See what exhibitions are currently on.
When will I be able to attend events or take a tour of the library?
Unfortunately due to the current COVID-19 situation in South Australia our events are being impacted. Check our events page for all event updates.
If attending an event, booking is essential.
To keep our staff and customers safe we will continue to follow the physical distancing, building capacity limits and increased hygiene practises outlined by the State Government COVID-19 regulations. When entering the library you are required to wear a mask and sanitise your hands at the sanitiser stations provided.
When attending events please check in by either:
- scanning the QR code using the COVID-Safe Check-in app, or
- completing the contact tracing form and placing it in the box provided.
For now, our library tours are still on hold.
To keep up to date with the latest news about the library, sign up to our enews.
When can I book my school class into one of your education programs?
Our onsite education programs are still on hold. Our Education Team has been busy developing exciting new learning opportunities for students and educators to connect with State Library resources, stories and collections. Explore our new Digital Resources and Digital Visits.
To keep up to date with our programs, sign up to our Education News.
Online resources and services
As always we are here to help and encourage you to continue to use our online resources where possible, including:
Questions can still be asked through one of the following channels:
Live chat service
Use our live chat service, available between 10am and 5pm weekdays, to receive real-time help from a librarian. Head to our Ask Us page, or look for the chatbox on our website.
Ask Us
Complete our online form for in-depth research and assistance.
Phone service
Our phone service is staffed during library opening hours. We strongly encourage you to call the library before your visit.
Phone: (08) 8207 7250
Toll-free for regional SA: 1800 182 013
This information, and our social media channels, will be updated as changes to services take place.