What's On
Discover our wide variety of engaging year-round programs and events. We have something for everyone from book launches, and exhibition curator talks, to workshops and pop-up experiences.
- tour
- exhibition
Beyond the shelves
Fascinating stories from the State Library's collections
From 13 December 2024
Free entry
- tour
- tour
- Event series
- Rear Vision: The Holden Collection
- Event series
- Rear Vision: The Holden Collection
- Event series
- History Festival
James Ashton, artist of the Fleurieu Coast
Presented by the Royal South Australian Society of Arts
Sunday 27 April to Saturday 31 May 2025
Free entry
- Event series
- History Festival
The John Martin’s Story
South Australia’s Beloved Department Store
Thursday 1 May 2025
Free, bookings essential
- Event series
- History Festival
State Records Information Hub
Drop in to learn about government archives
Monday 5 to Friday 9 May 2025
Free, bookings not required
- Event
Tuesday Talks: Books in my life with Rex Patrick
Presented by the Friends of the State Library
Tuesday 6 May 2025
Free, booking required
- Event series
- History Festival
- Event series
- Rear Vision: The Holden Collection
Curator Talk: Rear Vision
The Holden Collection
Thursday 8 May 2025
Thursday 12 June 2025
Free, bookings essential
Tours hosted by our Ambassadors
Immerse yourself in South Australia's heritage with a tour through our buildings and exhibitions.
Learn about our services and hear stories of people and events that helped shape life in South Australia.
Find out more about our private group tours for more than ten people.
Keep up to date with What's On at the state library
What's on nearby
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
Discover the people and ideas that have shaped democracy in South Australia, and the power of your voice in it.
Open daily with free admission, the Centre of Democracy is located in the Institute Building, corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue.
Visit our online Gift Shop
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
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How do I get to the State Library by public transport?
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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.
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Is there car parking near the State Library?
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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.
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Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?
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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.
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How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?
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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 quiet study areas.
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Is there a cafe at the State Library?
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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.