State Library of South Australia

The State Library of South Australia's opening hours vary by area. The main reading rooms are typically open Monday to Wednesday 10am–8pm, Thursday and Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm–5pm. The Treasures Wall and exhibitions have similar hours. However, hours can change on public holidays, so it's best to check the library's website or call ahead before visiting. The library is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Yes, general admission to the State Library of South Australia is free. You can explore the exhibitions, use the reading rooms, and access many of the library's resources at no cost. Some special events, workshops, or behind-the-scenes tours may have a fee, but these are clearly advertised. Membership is also free and allows you to borrow from the collection and access online resources.

Membership is free and open to all South Australian residents and visitors. You can join online via the library's website or in person at the service desk. You'll need to provide identification showing your name and current address (e.g., driver's licence, utility bill). Once you're a member, you can borrow items from the collection, access eResources, and request items from the offsite store.

s a member, you can borrow from the general collection, which includes books, DVDs, magazines, and more. The library also offers a large collection of eResources, including ebooks, audiobooks, and online databases. Some heritage and rare items are for reference only and cannot be borrowed, but you can use them onsite. Borrowing limits and loan periods vary by item type; check the website for details.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the State Library for visitors and members. You can connect to the network using your own device. The library also provides public computers with internet access and Microsoft Office applications; some may require a booking. Printing, scanning, and copying services are available for a small fee.

The State Library hosts a range of exhibitions throughout the year, often featuring treasures from its collections, historical photographs, and interactive displays. The Treasures Wall showcases iconic items such as the original South Australian Constitution and the diary of John McDouall Stuart. Exhibitions are generally free and change regularly. For the latest information, visit the library's website or check at the front desk.

Yes, the State Library is a major repository for South Australian historical records. The Archival Collection includes manuscripts, photographs, maps, newspapers, and oral histories. You can access these materials in the reading rooms; some may require a request in advance. Staff can assist you in locating items and using the catalogues. Many digitised items are also available online through the library's catalogue.

Yes, the library provides research assistance to help you find information. You can ask staff at the service desks for help with using the catalogue, locating items, or navigating databases. For more in-depth research, you can book a consultation with a librarian. The library also offers online guides and tutorials on various topics.

The State Library has a cafe called the 'State Library Cafe' located on the ground floor, offering coffee, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit. Note that food and drink are not permitted in the reading rooms to protect the collections. There are also many other cafes and restaurants nearby on North Terrace and in the surrounding area.

The State Library runs a diverse program of events, including author talks, lectures, workshops, and family activities. Many events are free, but some require bookings. The library also hosts regular tours of the building and exhibitions. Check the 'What's On' section of the website for upcoming events and to register.

Yes, the State Library is committed to accessibility. The building has wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and lifts. Assistive technologies are available, and staff can provide assistance. If you have specific needs, contact the library in advance to ensure a smooth visit. Service animals are welcome.

Yes, the library offers guided tours for groups, including schools and community organisations. Tours can be tailored to your interests and typically last about an hour. Bookings are essential and should be made at least two weeks in advance. There may be a fee for some tours. Contact the library's bookings team for more information.

Yes, the State Library holds an extensive collection of South Australian newspapers, both historical and current. Many historical newspapers are available on microfilm, and some are digitised and accessible online through the library's catalogue. Current newspapers are available in the reading rooms. Staff can help you locate specific issues.

The Treasures Wall is a permanent exhibition space displaying some of the library's most significant and intriguing items. It includes documents, artefacts, and multimedia that tell stories of South Australia's history. Highlights include the original proclamation of South Australia and works by early explorers. It's free to view and located on the ground floor.

Yes, the State Library is a popular study destination. There are quiet study areas and reading rooms with tables and power points. Free Wi-Fi is available, and you can bring your own devices. Group study rooms may be available for booking. Note that food and drink are not allowed in the reading rooms, but there is a cafe onsite.

Yes, the library provides photocopying, printing, and scanning services for a fee. You can use these services in the reading rooms and some other areas. Payment is typically by coin or card. Staff can assist you with the machines. Copyright laws apply to copying material.

You can contact the State Library by phone on (08) 8207 7250, by email via the website's contact form, or in person at the service desk. The library's website also has a chat service for quick enquiries. For specific departments, such as research or bookings, direct contact details are available on the website.

There is limited street parking around North Terrace, and several commercial car parks are within walking distance, such as the Wilson Parking on North Terrace and the Adelaide Convention Centre car park. The library does not have its own public parking. Public transport is a convenient alternative, with tram and bus stops nearby.

Yes, the State Library accepts donations of items that fit within its collecting scope, particularly those related to South Australian history and culture. However, not all donations can be accepted due to space and relevance. You should contact the library before bringing items in. The donations team will assess the material and discuss the process with you.

Members can access a wide range of online resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, streaming services, and research databases (e.g., Ancestry, Trove, and various journal databases). These are available 24/7 via the library's website. You'll need your membership number to log in. The library also provides online guides and tutorials to help you use these resources.