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Press Union Dinner, 1955
  • exhibition

Sweet and savoury

menus from the collections of the State Library

On now until Sunday 17 September 2023

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Free entry

LEGO Nuyina
  • exhibition

LEGO RSV Nuyina docks at the State Library

Until Sunday 11 June 2023

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Free entry

Teddy Bear Picnic
  • exhibition

Sweet and Savoury Fun

On now until Sunday 17 September 2023

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Free entry

Port Gawler Map
  • exhibition

The Town of Port Gawler map, 1840

On display now

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Free entry

The EMU Tree hero image
  • Event series
  • History Festival

The RSL - A Time To Celebrate

Photographic and Oral Histories Exhibition

Tuesday 9 May to Sunday 18 June 2023

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Free entry

Taxidermy_gree_frog
  • Event series
  • Live and Learn

Art of Taxidermy display

Tuesday 6 June to Thursday 6 July 2023

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Free entry

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

Myriad 2023 Mia Qua
  • exhibition

Myriad SALA Exhibition 2023

Artwork by people living with disability

17 August to 31 August 2023

Find out more

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.