The State Library of South Australia has unveiled designs for Little Library, a free and inclusive library for children aged 0-11 to play, explore and discover a lifelong love for reading, opening in August 2026.
Grounded in the science of Raising Literacy Australia’s Words Grow Minds campaign and supported by a $2 million investment from the State Government Arts Investment Fund, Little Library represents a landmark commitment to literacy as the foundation of learning and curiosity.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts, Kyam Maher MLC said:
“The State Government is proud to invest in the literacy and imagination of South Australian children. Little Library is more than a space, it’s a commitment to the next generation of curious, creative learners and a reflection of our dedication to the Arts and to the importance of the cultural institutions that shape our state.”
With books and reading at the heart of the experience, Little Library reimagines what a library can be through a purpose-built environment designed from a child’s perspective. The space will enrich young minds through hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and engaging programs and events.
Little Library has been developed in collaboration with the City of Adelaide, combining State and Public Library expertise backed by early literacy research to create a space that supports the diverse literacy levels of South Australian children.
State Library of South Australia Director, Megan Berghuis, said:
“We can’t wait to welcome Little South Australians and their families into Little Library - a space thoughtfully designed for children, parents and carers to connect, share stories, and support a lifelong love of reading.”
“Little Library will share the local stories that celebrate the places, people and perspectives of South Australia, connecting generations and fostering a sense of belonging through the stories that make us.
“This includes working with the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music and Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi at Adelaide University to bring elements of the Kaurna Songbook into Little Library.’’
Building on the State Library’s legacy as the original home to Australia’s first public children’s library, Little Library has been brought to life by global experience design agency Art Processors and features vibrant illustrations by Adelaide-based creatives, Carlo Jensen, Lawson Dodd and Andrew Joyner.
Alongside an evolving range of programs and events, children, families and carers can also enjoy functional library benefits including book and resource borrowing.
Little Library will officially open its doors in August 2026, located on the ground floor Spence Wing in the heart of the State Library on North Terrace.
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