We are open, find out what has changed.
We’ve compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the library being open under current Government COVID-19 regulations.
The State Library of South Australia is now open.
The library's current opening hours are:
The above opening hours will remain until January 2021, when they will be reviewed.
From Monday 29 June, there are no mandated restrictions on the maximum number of people in our buildings. However, we are required to observe the 1 person per 2 square metre ruling and so some limits will remain in place for the:
Mortlock Mezzanine.
Please observe the signs which state the maximum number of people allowed in these areas.
Whilst time limits have been placed on some services to ensure equitable access, at this stage, there is no limit to the length of time you can stay in the library each day. We ask all customers to be mindful of services with reduced capacity at this time and to manage their visit accordingly.
You can now gain entry to the library through the:
To improve contract tracing and keep our community COVID safe, when entering the library please check-in using the following easy steps:
If you do not have a compatible smart phone, please complete the paper tracking forms provided.
When coming through any of these entrances please make sure you sanitise your hands at the sanitiser stations provided.
As the cloaking room is closed, a set of lockers will be located outside of the Somerville Reading Room (Spence Wing, level 1) for customers using this room to store personal bags. All other bags will be allowed into the study and computer space with security monitoring the area.
To keep our staff and customers safe we will continue to follow the physical distancing, building capacity limits and increased hygiene practises outlined by the State Government in their roadmap to recovery.
We will continue to:
Please note protective screens have been installed at the Information Desk, level 1.
We ask you and our staff:
You will see an increase in the number of Security staff within the building. This is to help with monitoring the number of people in the building and to make sure the conditions of entry are being followed. Security is there to help you if needed.
Some of our regular services are unavailable, some available but limited, and others may require booking in advance. We strongly recommend that you phone the library on (08) 8207 7250 before your visit.
You are able to:
You are not able to:
Yes, a reduced number of computers are available for customers with a State Library card, at first for 2 hour per day.
Computers have been spread out to maintain safe distancing and are being cleaned regularly.
Yes, you can print or photocopy documents in the Spence Wing, level 1, but it is self-service. Library cards can be topped up at the Kiosk.
No, the English Language Improvement Service remains suspended.
While the family history desk is not staffed, you can still ask for basic help at the Information Desk.
To get you on your way to discovering your family history, we also encourage you to look at our family history starter guide.
Yes, but to comply with physical distancing requirements our rooms have reduced capacity (2 or 3 people in the smaller rooms, 7 in the large room). Please contact the library to make a booking. We will maintain one room for use by our more vulnerable customers (i.e. older people, people with chronic health conditions etc.) who require an isolated space in which to study. Speak to staff if you wish to access this.
Yes quiet study areas on the Mezzanine Level of the Mortlock Wing are now available for up to a maximum of 28 people.
You can also visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays with a limit of 100 people.
All our hire venue spaces remain closed and will reopen when it is safe to do so.
The NAA reference desk in the Somerville Reading Room is open to the public. Opening hours are 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Friday. Visit the National Archives South Australia website for more information.
The State Library Cafe is now open Monday to Friday, 8am to 2pm.
Yes, the open access collections on Level 2 of the Spence Wing can be browsed and accessed by customers.
Retrievals will occur as usual. We recommend you place retrieval requests before your visit.
Yes, but please note that due to ongoing disruptions to the postal service, we will not always be able to provide access to the most recent editions of newspapers.
Many newspapers, including The Advertiser and Sunday Mail are available to access via the State Library’s subscription databases. We encourage customers to use these and will continue to work towards a procedure for making hard copy newspapers accessible as conditions allow.
Microfilm newspapers and basement storage newspapers are available.
Yes, the State Library Gallery and Treasures Wall exhibitions are open. Visitor numbers in these area have been capped at 50 to ensure that social distancing and the 1 person per 2 square metre rule can be observed.
Visitors are also welcome to view the exhibition bays in the Mortlock Chamber. The maximum number in the Chamber is capped at 100.
Security will be monitoring these areas to support these restrictions.
Please do not touch surfaces in the exhibition displays.
See what exhibitions are currently on.
With the easing of restrictions we are pleased to be presenting some face to face events from September.
To keep our staff and customers safe we will continue to follow the physical distancing, building capacity limits and increased hygiene practises outlined by the State Government in their roadmap to recovery. When entering the library please make sure you sanitise your hands at the sanitiser stations provided. Bookings are essential and you will also need to complete a COVID-19 Contact Tracing Form so we can undertake tracing if needed. You can download the following form to complete and bring with you when you attend the event:
For now, our library tours are still on hold.
To keep up to date with the latest news about the library, sign up to our enews.
Our education programs are on hold until further notice. Our Education Team has been busy developing exciting new learning opportunities for students and educators while the library has been closed.
To keep up to date with our programs, sign up to our Education News.
As always we are here to help and encourage you to continue to use our online resources where possible, including:
Questions can still be asked through one of the following channels:
Use our live chat service, available between 10am and 4pm weekdays, to receive real-time help from a librarian. Head to our Ask Us page, or look for the chatbox on our website.
Complete our online form for in-depth research and assistance.
Our phone service is staffed from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. We strongly encourage you to call the library before your visit.
Phone: (08) 8207 7250
Toll-free for regional SA: 1800 182 013
This information, and our social media channels, will be updated as changes to services take place.