Catalogue Search

For thousands of years, the Kaurna people of the Adelaide plains have told their stories and kept their memories of this place alive in their oral tradition. Today, a greeting stone by Uncle Lewis O’Brien of the Kaurna people at the entrance to the State Library welcomes visitors to a place that also keeps the memories of the state alive.

Buildings and spaces

The State Library spans across three buildings. Starting on the corner of Kintore Ave and North Terrace is the Institute Building, next is the Spence Wing - our main service point, then the Mortlock Chamber.

History of the State Library

South Australia differed from other Australian colonies by planning a library for public use even before settlement. Find out more about our history.

Permanent exhibitions

We have several permanent exhibitions, artworks and memorial inside and out of our buildings and spaces. 

Adelaide festival awards for literature

The Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature are presented every two years during Adelaide Writers’ Week as part of the Adelaide Festival.
Noel Coward at the Koala Farm [B 61595]

Donate to our collections

We encourage members of the community, organisations, and businesses to consider donating material for appraisal, especially South Australiana, to increase the depth and range of the library's collections.

Delaminating acetate record disk being prepared for recording remnant content

Preserving and conserving

Learn how we are preserving and conserving the State Library's collection for future generations to explore and research.

Ask Us, Roland Eime, librarian in charge of Youth Lending, assisting a customer [B 72589/3]

Ask Us

For all your research or reference queries our librarians are here to help you!