Picnic at Morialta, 1931
  • exhibition

Beyond the shelves

Fascinating stories from the State Library's collections

Ongoing
Free entry
State Library ambassadors giving a tour.
  • tour

Private Tours - Make Yourself at Home

Ambassador Tour

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Circulating library
  • tour

Make yourself at home

Ambassador Tour

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Free, bookings not required
B73787
  • Event series
  • Children's University

Ahoy Maties!

Free family drop-in activity

On now
Free, bookings not required
1938 Spring catalogue cover, Royal SA Society of Arts
  • exhibition
art of the panorama of the Port River and North Parade, Port Adelaide. SLSA: B 78677/3
  • Event series
  • South Australia's History Festival

Painting the Port

A display of the 1855 Hankey panorama of Port Adelaide

Friday 1 May to Tuesday 30 June
Free entry
Teen Writers
  • Event

Teen Writers Club: Term 2

Presented by Writers SA

Every Saturday from 9 May to 27 June
$200.00 per person
Bookings required
Lainie Anderson
  • Event series
  • South Australia's History Festival

Murder, Mystery and History

An Author Talk with Lainie Anderson

Wednesday 20 May
Free, booking required
Blakesby Banner
  • Event series
  • South Australia's History Festival

Headfirst: A History of Hat Making

Presented by South Australian Fashion Industry Association

Wednesday 20 May
Free, booking required
Kangaroo Island bushfire. SLSA: B 78536/3
  • Event series
  • Lecture Series by the Royal Geographical Society of SA

Healthy country

Fire, country and the unmaking of Australian wilderness

Thursday 21 May
$10.00 per person
Bookings required
The Tunnel
  • exhibition

Pull Pop Push

Revealing the magic

From 29 May 2026 to 24 January 2027
Free entry
GRS 781 - Sunday Too Far Away
  • Event series
  • South Australia's History Festival

From the reel to the hard drive

The legacy of the SAFC in the digital age

Friday 22 May
Free, booking required

What's On Nearby

'Place of creation' by Elisabeth Butterworth

Friends of the State Library

From all walks of life, the Friends have supported the State Library of South Australia (SLSA) with a tradition of cultural philanthropy over eight decades, to enrich and promote its collections and treasures for scholarly and public interest.

Centre of Democracy, interior image of the exhibition space.

Centre of Democracy

Explore our online gift store featuring items from the State Library’s collections, and find a range of products, including home décor, wall art, stationery, clothing, bags, and more.

Open daily with free admission, the Centre of Democracy is located in the Institute Building, corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue.

Rosa Fiveash, Billy Buttons on a cushion in the Redbubble shop.

Shop for gifts

Looking for that bespoke gift for someone special or something for your home?

Explore our online gift store featuring items from the State Library’s collections, and find a range of products, including home décor, wall art, stationery, clothing, bags, and more.

Plan your visit

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid (metered) street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available on the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include  study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.