State Library of South Australia

The story of the State Library of South Australia and its three buildings is rich and complex, dating back to 1834.
South Australia differed from other Australian colonies by planning a library for public use even before settlement. Just two weeks after the passing of the South Australia Act by the British Parliament on 14 August 1834, an enthusiastic group of prospective colonists led by Richard Hanson and Robert Gouger formed the South Australian Literary Association on 29 August. Its object was 'the cultivation and diffusion of useful knowledge throughout the colony'. The members donated a collection of useful books as the basis of the colony’s library, and two years later brought the books out on the Tam O'Shanter in an iron trunk, which also contained the constitution of the colony, arriving on 18 December 1836.

The State Library not only offers lending services, but has artworks, memorials, exhibitions and hosts talks.

Contact

North Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
Australia