State Library of South Australia

The State Library of South Australia is the largest public reference library in South Australia with a collection focus on South Australian information and general reference material for information and research purposes.

We:

provide information, research and referral services for the community,

actively collect, preserve and give access to the states documentary heritage (both historical and contemporary),

provide public programs which enhance the cultural life of the state,

provide support to South Australian public libraries network, and cooperate with other state and interstate agencies to enhance economic, educational and social benefits of the state.

Please note that our collections are not for loan and must be used on site. Some materials are available on inter-library loan; ask at your public library.

The State Library of South Australia acknowledges that Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders are the first people and Traditional Owners of Australia.

Mortlock Chamber | Wing

The iconic Mortlock Chamber is an excellent example of a late Victorian Library and is an exhibition showcase, displaying the rich heritage of South Australia.

There are two galleries, the first supported by masonry columns, and the second by cast iron brackets. The balconies feature wrought iron balustrading ornamented with gold while the glass-domed lantern roof or clerestory allows the chamber to be lit with natural light.

Two of the original gas 'sunburner' lamps survive in the office space located on the second floor at the southern end, as does some of the original wallpaper in a room off the ground floor. The heating vents were fed by hot water pipes connected to a boiler in the basement. Chairs and metal furniture/structures bear the original SAI (South Australian Institute) logo and are small by today's standards.

The Mortlock Wing is regularly included on lists of the world's most beautiful libraries, and on travel blogs, and is a significant tourist attraction in South Australia.

This venue is perfect for larger functions such as formal dinners, wedding receptions, and cocktail parties. Maximum capacity seated formal dinner 160. Maximum capacity for standing cocktail parties 200.

OPEN HOURS
Spence Wing (First floor)

Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 8pm
Thursday and Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm

State Library Gallery

Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7.45pm
Thursday and Friday: 10am to 5.45pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4.45pm

Your Hub (Ground floor, glass foyer)

Monday to Sunday: open from 9am until closing time

Mortlock Chamber

Monday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Symon Library

Monday to Friday: 12 to 2pm

We close on public holidays.

GETTING THERE
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.

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Wing is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

Access to the Institute Building is via the external ramp on the Kintore Ave entrance or via the internal ramp between the Institute Building and the Spence Wing (opposite the Treasures Wall).