Stories
The stories that make us - tales from within the State Library collections.
Real or fake: Lord Nelson's letter written in 1798
The stories that make usFor a long time, a large brown envelope with a crayoned inscription lay in the back of the special collection’s stacks. The inscription read, ‘Nelson...
Don't touch that dial! Children’s radio club badges and pins
The stories that make usIt might seem strange, but sometimes historical items are literally picked up off the ground. This collection of children’s radio club badges and pins was...
Captured Flowers
The capture of South Australia’s wildflowers and plants in paintings and sketches began early in the colony’s history. Flower painting was considered an acceptable genteel...
Make your own Spitfire and Bomber squadron
The stories that make usWe’ve recreated this striking cut-out model builder booklet so you can build your own bomber squadron base and experience what it would have been like...
The tiger and the taxidermists
The stories that make usDid you know that this photograph taken in the basement of the Mortlock Wing of the State Library shows one of the largest tigers ever...
How our State Library began as a trunk full of donated books
The stories that make usThe story of the founding of the State Library begins in the 1830s in London, where Robert Gouger was lobbying the British Government to found...
![Adelaide ‘Black Lives Matter’ Protest, King William Street [SLSA: PRG 1763/1/9]](/sites/default/files/styles/tile_native_1x/public/2021-08/adelaide-black-lives-matter-prg-1763-1-9.jpg?itok=LOld3FDc)
Capturing the present for future generations
The stories that make us“A good photograph is knowing where to stand” Ansel Adams Over the past few years the State Library of South Australia has been adding to...