Skip to main content
Book Boogie
  • Event series
  • Dream Big at the State Library

Book Boogie

A drop-in event for families

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May 2025

Free, bookings not required

The boy and the ball
  • Event series
  • Dream Big at the State Library

The boy and the ball

Stephen Noonan in partnership with The Paper Boats

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May 2025

$22.00 per person
Bookings required

Little Bozu and Kon Kon
  • Event series
  • Dream Big at the State Library

Little Bozu and Kon Kon

An Omusubi Productions and Monkey Baa Theatre Company co-production in associate with Sydney Opera House

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May 2025

$22.00 per person
Bookings required

The Bookbinder, image by Phillip Merry
  • Event series
  • Dream Big at the State Library

The Bookbinder

Trick of the Light Theatre

Saturday 17 May 2025

$22.00 per person
Bookings required

Wombat
  • Event series
  • History Festival

Discover hidden treasures at the State Library

A librarian's tale

Tuesday 20 May 2025
Wednesday 21 May 2025

Free, bookings essential

Holden & Frost building PRG631_2_1452
  • Event series
  • Rear Vision: The Holden Collection

The remarkable story of General Motors Holden

From local business and the Great Depression to engine of the war economy

Tuesday 20 May 2025

Free, bookings essential

North Terrace B-41710
  • Event

Proximity Round - Paul Turley

Presented by the Friends of the State Library

Tuesday 20 May 2025

$10.00 per person
Bookings required

Holden Ute
  • Event series
  • Rear Vision: The Holden Collection

The untold story of the first Holden utilities

Wednesday 21 May 2025

Free, bookings essential

The Truck Cat
  • Event

National Simultaneous Storytime - The Truck Cat

The Australian Library and Information Association

Wednesday 21 May 2025

Free, bookings essential

UniSA_SLSA_HistoryFestival
  • Event series
  • History Festival

Decisive and Divisive Stories at the State Library of SA

UniSA Creative Ventures

Monday 26 May 2025

Free, bookings not required

history hits and misses
  • Event series
  • History Festival

History Hits and Misses

A Tourism Tussle

Monday 26 May 2025

Free, booking required

skeleton key
  • Event series
  • History Festival

Skeletons in the Closet

Finding Secrets in Family History

Wednesday 28 May 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.

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 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.