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Refrigerator interior view of Model 172, 1964. SLSA: BRG 9/36/680 
  • exhibition

Beyond the shelves

Fascinating stories from the State Library's collections

Ongoing

Free entry

Toy koala with scarf [clrcri22543752_1]
  • Event series
  • Children's University

Out on the town!

with Keiffee the koala

on now

Free, bookings not required

Suitcase pig
  • Event series
  • Children's University

What’s in Pig’s suitcase?

on now

Free, bookings not required

Circulating library
  • tour

Make yourself at home

Ambassador Tour

Monday to Friday

Free, bookings not required

Trees by David Dridan
  • exhibition

RSASA Members' spring exhibition

26 September to 26 October 2025

Free entry

River Torrens SLSA: B 10341
  • Event series
  • Nature Festival

River Magic

Celebrating Nature Festival

Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 October 2025

Free, bookings not required

Moon Builders Wanted
  • Event series
  • Children's University

Moon Builders Wanted

Your mission: design the first city on the moon!

On now

Free, bookings not required

Nature Festival Diggers Club event
  • Event series
  • Nature Festival

Harnessing the flow of Mundus Imaginalis

Hosted by The Diggers Club

Friday 10 October 2025

$10.00 per person
Bookings required

Glass Menagerie 1600x1200
  • Event

Tangent Talks - The Glass Menagerie

presented by State Theatre Company South Australia

Monday 20 October 2025

$10.00 per person
Bookings required

North Terrace B-41710
  • Event

Proximity Round - Michael Harvey

Presented by the Friends of the State Library

Tuesday 21 October 2025

$10.00 per person
Bookings required

AGSA Start Art Book Club
  • Event series
  • Children's University

Start Art Book Club

An art and literature adventure

Sunday 7 December 2025

Free, booking required

2016 St Peters Girls School SLSA_1879.jpg
  • tour

Discover Your State Library

Self-guided school tour

During school term

Free, bookings not required

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

'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

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.

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.