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Refrigerator interior view of Model 172, 1964. SLSA: BRG 9/36/680 
  • exhibition

Beyond the shelves

Fascinating stories from the State Library's collections

Ongoing

Free entry

Mortlock Chamber, photo taken by Toby Woolley
  • Event

Vote for your State Library

Help us top the list as one of the world's most beautiful libraries

Voting open until 15 July

Original books that commenced the State Library's collection
  • Event

Tuesday Talks: Books in my life with Kevin Naughton

Presented by the Friends of the State Library

Tuesday 1 July 2025

Free, booking required

Out of the world NAA
  • Event series
  • Out of this World programs and events

Out of this world

Australia in the space age

4 July to 5 October 2025

Free entry

Futuristic Fashion
  • Event series
  • Out of this World programs and events

Futuristic Fashion that is Out of this world!

Exhibition activity

4 July to 5 October 2025

Free, bookings not required

Moon Builders Wanted
  • Event series
  • Out of this World programs and events

Moon Builders Wanted

Your mission: design the first city on the moon!

From 4 July 2025

Free, bookings not required

NAA Out of this world
  • tour

Out of this World exhibition tour

With Space Historian Kerrie Dougherty OAM

Friday 4 July 2025
Friday 1 August 2025
Friday 5 September 2025

Free, bookings essential

Toy koala with scarf [clrcri22543752_1]
  • Event

Out on the town!

with Keifee the koala

From 4 July 2025

Free, bookings not required

NAA astronaut cropped
  • Event series
  • Out of this World programs and events

Out of this World - Education program

Presented by National Archives of Australia

4 July to 5 October 2025

Free, bookings not required

City Lights 2025
  • Event

Illuminate Adelaide - City Lights

4 to 20 July 2025

Free, bookings not required

Firstival background
  • Event

Try something new in July!

Firstival by LibrariesSA

1 to 31 July 2025

Surfers at Robe
  • Event series
  • Talking History

Talking History: SA's Scintillating Subcultures

Presented by History Trust of South Australia

Tuesday 15 July 2025

Free, booking required

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

'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.

Rosa Fiveash, Billy Buttons on a cushion in the Redbubble shop.

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

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 on 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.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.