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.
- Event series
- Stories from the Stacks
Picture Theatres and Drive-In Culture
Looking back at entertainment in South Australia
Tuesday 19 May
Free, bookings essential
- Event series
- South Australia's History Festival
Murder, Mystery and History
An Author Talk with Lainie Anderson
Wednesday 20 May
Free, booking required
- Event series
- South Australia's History Festival
Headfirst: A History of Hat Making
Presented by South Australian Fashion Industry Association
Wednesday 20 May
Free, bookings essential
- 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
- Event series
- South Australia's History Festival
Dunstan’s Children
Presented by Festival Hellenika
Sunday 24 May
$30.00 per person
Bookings required
- Event series
- South Australia's History Festival
SA Great History Quiz
Presented by Professional Historians Association (SA)
Monday 25 May
Free, booking required
- Event series
- South Australia's History Festival
Memory, fire and forgery
Hankey’s 1855 Panorama of Port Adelaide
Tuesday 26 May
Free, bookings essential
- Event
National Simultaneous Storytime 2026
Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller
Wednesday 27 May
Free, bookings essential
- Event series
- South Australia's History Festival
- Event
Crafting narrative drive
with author Ashley Kalagian Blunt
Saturday 27 June
$240.00 per person
Bookings required
- Event
- Event
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.
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
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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 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.