What's On
Exhibitions, events and tours at the Library.
- tour
Private Tours - Make Yourself at Home
Ambassador Tour
Monday to Friday
Find out moreFree, bookings essential
- tour
Make yourself at home
Ambassador Tour
Monday, Thursday and Friday
Find out moreFree, bookings essential
- exhibition
If walls could talk
A photographic exhibition by Alexandra McOrist
Until Sunday 29 January 2023
Find out moreFree entry
- exhibition
South Australia: A Liveable State
Student finalists of the South Australian Geography Photo Competition
Until Sunday 18 December 2022
Find out moreFree entry
- Event series
- Christmas at the Mortlock
Cherished toys from the past
Christmas display
On now until mid-January 2023
Find out moreFree, no bookings required
- Event series
- Christmas at the Mortlock
Decorate a Christmas Ornament
On now until early January 2023
Find out moreFree, no bookings required
- Event series
- Christmas at the Mortlock
Come and see our Giant Tree
Christmas at the Mortlock
On now until early January 2023
Find out moreFree, no bookings required
- Event
Start Art Book club
An art and literature adventure
Sunday 4 December 2022
Sunday 5 February 2023
Booking required
- Event series
- Christmas at the Mortlock
Buy a book, gift a book
Presented by Raising Literacy Australia
Monday 5 to Friday 9 December 2022
Sunday 11 December 2022
Monday 19 to Friday 23 December 2022
Free, no bookings required
- Event series
- Christmas at the Mortlock
School Choirs
Singing in the Mortlock
Monday 5 December to Friday 9 December 2022
Find out moreFree, no bookings required
- Event series
- Christmas at the Mortlock
A Ceremony of Carols
Featuring beautiful seasonal music with upper voices and harp
Sunday 11 December 2022
Find out moreFree, bookings essential
- Event series
- Christmas at the Mortlock
Christmas Storytelling at the Mortlock
Monday 19 to Friday 23 December 2022
Find out moreFree, bookings essential
Tours hosted by our Ambassadors
Our friendly volunteer Ambassadors are back and you will find them at the Welcome Desk in the glass foyer. If you are planning to visit us, and would like a guided tour for a group less than five people pop by the Welcome Desk to see if an Ambassador is free to host the tour.
Please note: These tours are dependent on volunteer availability. We thank you for your understanding.
Starting August 2022 Ambassadors will provide a tour on Monday, Thursday & Friday at 11am or 2pm. Book your tour today.
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 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 in 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.