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Teacher board games
  • Event

Teacher and School Resources

Available now

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Free

Digital visits
  • Event

SACE Research Skills Online

Digital visit

Negotiable during school term

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Free, booking required

Coloured drawing of a child holding a worm.
  • Event

Gardening Tools and Toys

Scavenger hunt

On now until Sunday 30 June 2024

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Free

A lady sitting with two children at a small table doing craft.
  • Event

Fantastic Foliage and books

Free family activity

Now on until Sunday 30 June 2024

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Free

NTSA
  • Event

Garden Open Days

Presented by the National Trust

October 2023 to March 2024

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Christmas_at_the_Mortlock_2023
  • Event series
  • Christmas at the Mortlock

Come and see our Giant Tree

Christmas at the Mortlock

On now until Sunday 7 January 2024

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Free

Photo of Father Christmas on a float in the Christmas Pageant
  • Event series
  • Christmas at the Mortlock

Christmas Displays

On now until Sunday 7 January 2024

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Free

Christmas stocking
  • Event series
  • Christmas at the Mortlock

Designing the Christmas Pageant

On now until Sunday 7 January 2024

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Free

Pageant Queen
  • Event series
  • Christmas at the Mortlock

Christmas Pageant in the Mortlock

On now until Sunday 7 January 2024

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Free

Christmas at the Mortlock 2023
  • Event series
  • Christmas at the Mortlock

Decorate a Christmas Ornament

On now until Sunday 7 January 2024

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Free

High Tea @ the Mortlock
  • Event series
  • Christmas at the Mortlock

High tea at the Mortlock

Sunday 26 November - sold out
Sunday 3 December - sold out
Sunday 10 December - sold out
Sunday 17 December - sold out

Find out more

$80.00 per person
Bookings required

AGSA Start Art Book Club
  • Event

Start Art Book Club

An art and literature adventure

Sunday 3 December 2023

Find out more

Free, booking required

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.

Join us for Ambassador led tours on:

  • Mondays at 2pm to 3pm
  • Tuesdays at 11am to 12pm
  • Thursdays 11am to 12pm 
  • Fridays at 11am to 12pm

Tours are subject to volunteer availability. We thank you for understanding.

To join a tour please meet the Ambassador at the State Library Welcome Desk.

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.