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The State Library’s Research Library will temporarily close from Monday 20 April for upgrade works and to prepare the space to welcome the City Library. We anticipate reopening in July 2026. 

These works will improve the Research Library space through new floor coverings and a reconfigured layout, supporting co‑located services into the future and creating a better experience for researchers and visitors.

All other spaces across the State Library, including Mortlock Chamber, exhibition spaces, Library Café, Institute Building and resident organisations will remain open as usual. 

What’s changing

Monday 20 April to Friday 24 April

  • In‑person access to collection material will be unavailable during this time.
  • Reference and research assistance will be available online at any time through the Ask Us service, or by phone from 10am to 5pm daily.

Saturday 25 April 

  • The State Library is closed for the public holiday

Sunday 26 April

  • In-person research services and collection access will be unavailable.
  • Reference and research assistance will be available online through the Ask Us service.
  • Assistance via phone will be unavailable.

From Monday 27 April

A temporary Reading Room will open in the Jervois Room, Mortlock Wing.

  • Research services and some collection access will be available.
  • To view collection items in person, please request items in advance through the Library's catalogue. Requested items will be made available in the temporary Reading Room.
  • Reference and research assistance will continue by phone or online through the Ask Us service.
  • Access to National Archives of Australia collection material will continue via the temporary Reading Room, subject to standard access arrangements. For more information, please contact National Archives directly. 

Services unavailable during the closure

Some services will be unavailable during this period, including:

  • Drop-in research assistance
  • Open access reference collections
  • Microfilm and newspapers
  • Public computers
  • Copying and scanning
  • Meeting rooms 

What’s available?

  • Opening hours across the State Library – including the Mortlock Chamber, exhibition spaces, Library Café, Institute Building and resident organisations will remain unchanged.
  • Visitors can also continue to enjoy the State Library’s vibrant program of exhibitions, talks, workshops, events and tours, including a special program for South Australia’s History Festival in May.
  • Study spaces will remain available, including in the Mortlock Chamber and Spence Wing. Some local daily newspapers will be available for reading.
  • English Language Improvement Services (ELIS) one on one desk tutoring will continue in the Mortlock Chamber during the closure. Group conversation sessions will resume once the Research Library reopens.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've prepared some answers to Frequently Asked Questions, to help you plan ahead.

The State Library is always open online

Even while onsite services are temporarily adjusted, the State Library is always open online. 

A wide range of collections, resources and research guides are available on our website, and enquiries can be submitted at any time through Ask Us.

Need help?

Our staff are here to help. 

Contact us for assistance with planning your visit or checking collection availability.

  • By phone during opening hours 08 7242 6300 or toll free 1800 182 013
  • Submit an Ask Us query

Stay informed

Updates will be shared here on the State Library's website and through our social media channels. We recommend checking before visiting the Library during this period.

We thank our researchers and visitors for their patience and understanding as we undertake these works to improve the Research Library for everyone who uses the space, now and in the future.