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Did you know that State Library membership is free? Being a State Library member provides you with greater access to the collection. Check out the benefits listed below and sign up for a library card today.

Benefits of membership

Home access to eResources

The State Library provides home access to a number of full-text eResources on a wide range of subjects including business, health and family history. Home access means that registered library users can access these eResources from outside the library.

All South Australian residents are eligible to register for a library card to gain home access to eResources.

View the home access to eResources conditions of use.

This service is available to South Australian residents for home or personal use only. For non-South Australian residents try searching on Trove.

Please note home access to eResources is available once your request to register for a Library card has been actioned by staff, normally within 1-2 days.

Access heritage items

To protect and preserve heritage collections and fragile and older reference material for future generations, the following State Library materials are delivered, for your access, to the Somerville Reading Room:

  • all South Australiana, including published and archival collections
  • all pictorial items requested from storage
  • all newspapers
  • all Rare Books and Special Collections
  • all Maps
  • the Children's Literature Research Collection
  • pre-1920 periodicals.

View the Somerville Reading Room conditions of use.

Request items from storage

Requesting an item from storage occurs via the catalogue record. You will need a State Library card to make the request.

Book a computer

Read more about booking a computer at the State Library.

Sign up to our enews

Keep up to date with What's On at the State Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to collect your State Library card

You can collect your card in person during open hours from the Information Desk on the first floor of the Spence Wing. Remember to bring proof of identification.

If you cannot visit the State Library to collect your card, it can be posted to you, which takes approximately five working days. Please select the “I would like it mailed to me” at the State Library card delivery method option when you register online.

What types of identification are acceptable?

We accept the following types of identity:

  • Driver's license
  • Passport
  • Proof of age card
  • Medicare card
  • Pension card
  • Student card
  • Public Library card
  • Credit card
  • Bank statement
  • Rental agreement

How can I renew my library card?

Your State Library card is valid for three years. If it is close to expiring or has expired you have two options to renew it:

  • Visit us and bring along proof of identification.
  • Give us a call to renew it, we will ask you to verify your contact details.

Can overseas and interstate visitors register for a temporary card?

Overseas and interstate visitors are welcome to apply for a Guest Pass which is valid for seven days for computer use when you visit us in person.

Visitors can also apply for a temporary card to use the Somerville Reading Room.

Proof of identification is required for both a guest pass and temporary card.

What if I don’t want a card?

You are able to access current newspapers and magazines, quiet study areas, group study rooms and our latest reference books without joining the State Library. 

The State Library is a reference library so you cannot borrow our material. Read our Lending Policy for more information.