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Aboriginal Languages
  • Event series
  • Royal Geographical Society of SA Lecture Program

Aboriginal Languages: including transcriptions by missionaries

Presented by Royal Geographical Society of South Australia

Thursday 15 June 2023

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Picture Book Writing
  • Event series
  • Writers SA

The Magic and Mechanics of Picture Book Writing

Presented by Writers SA

Saturday 17 June 2023

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$44.00 per person

Taxidermy_tiger
  • Event series
  • Live and Learn

Art and craft of taxidermy

Tuesday 20 June 2023

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Free, bookings essential

David Baker, Structured 1 – Basement Accommodation, Photograph
  • Event series
  • Royal South Australian Society of Arts

RSASA 1st Biennial Abstract Prize Exhibition

presented by the Royal South Australian Society of Arts

Sunday 25 June to Sunday 23 July 2023

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Free entry

NAA: Archives
  • Event series
  • National Archives of Australia - SA Selections

19th century copyright records

Presented by National Archives of Australia

Tuesday 27 June 2023

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Free, bookings essential

The 'William Scoresby' ploughing through breaking ice [PRG 675/1/72]
  • Event

Book Launch of Sir Hubert Wilkins' Under the North Pole

Presented by the Friends of the State Library

Wednesday 28 June 2023

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$20.00 per person

Illuminate 2023
  • Event series
  • Illuminate Adelaide - City Lights

Illuminate Adelaide - City Lights

Friday 7 to Sunday 23 July 2023

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Free, no bookings required

Debs_dobs_and_doodles
  • Event series
  • Live and Learn

Debs, dobs and doodles

Tuesday 18 July 2023

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Free, bookings essential

AGSA Start Art Book Club
  • Event

Start Art Book Club

An art and literature adventure

Sunday 6 August 2023
Sunday 1 October 2023
Sunday 3 December 2023

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Booking required

Catherine_Helen_Spence
  • Event series
  • Live and Learn

Open hearts, open minds

Tuesday 15 August 2023

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Free, bookings essential

Myriad 2023 Mia Qua
  • exhibition

Myriad SALA Exhibition 2023

Artwork by people living with disability

17 August to 31 August 2023

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Free entry

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 in February 2023 Ambassadors will provide tours Monday to 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

'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.

Floor cushion showing the Morialta Tourism Poster on a floor cushion

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

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 in 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 quiet 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.