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The 10 Biggest Library in Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is home to a remarkable array of libraries, each offering a unique collection of resources and services. From historic buildings to modern architectural marvels, Adelaide’s libraries are not only treasure troves of knowledge but also architectural and cultural landmarks. In this guide, we will explore 10 of the best libraries in Adelaide, highlighting their distinctive features, collections, and the services they provide to the community.

Among the oldest and most prestigious libraries in Adelaide is the State Library of South Australia, established in 1856. This iconic institution houses over 4 million books, manuscripts, and documents, including rare and valuable collections on Australian history, literature, and art. Its grand reading room, with its intricate plasterwork and stained-glass windows, is a sight to behold. Moreover, the Mortlock Library of South Australiana, also located in the State Library, holds an extensive collection of books, journals, and photographs documenting South Australia’s history and culture.

Top Library in Adelaide, Australia

The State Library of South Australia, or SLSA, formerly known as the Public Library of South Australia, located on North Terrace, Adelaide, is the official library of the Australian state of South Australia. It is the largest public research library in the state, with a collection focus on South Australian information, being the repository of all printed and audiovisual material published in the state, as required by legal deposit legislation. It holds the "South Australiana" collection, which documents South Australia from pre-European settlement to the present day, as well as general reference material in a wide range of formats, including digital, film, sound and video recordings, photographs, and microfiche. Home access to many journals, newspapers and other resources online is available.

Top Library in Adelaide, Australia

State Library of South Australia

  • Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (325)
  • Phone: +61 8 7424 6300
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Adelaide City Library in Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide City Library in Adelaide, Australia

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The 10 Best Library near Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide City Library in Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide City Library in Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide City Library

  • Address: 3 Rundle Place, 77-91 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (209)
  • Phone: +61 8 8203 7990
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Yu Utsu (地瓜粥狗)✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    Greatest ADL library I’ve been so far. Free and fast wifi, many separated room and tidy facilities. However noise reduction earphones is required because it will be a bit noise when there’s many kids
    hannah rogers✭✭✭✭✭
    9 months ago
    really amazing resources. i walked right by it when i was first trying to find it (it’s down the side street with big signs) the staff here are so kind and helpful. the place was pretty busy when i went (on a friday afternoon) they have printers and plug ins, free wifi that seems to be unlimited and computers you can login and use even without a lib card
    Sabina Fernandes✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Staff are always happy to assist and guide, facilities of printing and scanning are amazing. Book collection is quite up to date and well maintained. Outlet has many reading spaces and quite zones to get your work completed. Love this place and the ppl that assist. Thank you
    Edward Nguyen✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    This place is just incredible and very suitable for people who love reading and it also provide board games, newspapers as well as computers to use. Furthermore, a various of books for everyone waiting for you. Staff are very lovely and helpful as well
    Christian del pozo✭✭✭✭✭
    4 years ago
    I really like this library, almost in the center, have a very nice staff and many options to read ?. You can use the computer and also they have rooms availables if you wanna bring your own laptop and start doing some research or if you just wanna read a book or magazine ?. They have some events during the week and you can be part of that if you want ?.

Port Adelaide Public Library

  • Address: 2-4 Church St, Port Adelaide SA 5015, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (74)
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Jeffrey Smart Library

  • Address: Jeffrey Smart Building, 217/243 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (58)

Barr Smith Library

  • Address: LOT 1207 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (57)

Mortlock Wing, State Library of South Australia

  • Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.9 (34)

Hutt Street Library

  • Address: 235 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (28)

North Adelaide Public Library

  • Address: 176 Tynte St, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (26)
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University of South Australia Library – Magill Campus

  • Address: Building B University of South Australia Magill Campus, St Bernards Rd, Adelaide SA 5072, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4 (17)

University of South Australia Library – City East Campus

  • Address: Brookman Building, Level 3, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (13)

The Little Library on Lloyd st STREET Library

  • Address: 34 Lloyd St, Saint Marys SA 5042, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (4)

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Library in Adelaide, Australia, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

5 Replies to The 10 Biggest Library in Adelaide, Australia

  1. Beautiful library, definitely one of the most beautiful library, lots of books and the atmosphere is so serene. Also there is some gallery below showcasing some history of the place.

    Limited seats in the library, but it’s spaced out quite good, with minimal interruption from the next table as the shelves is dividing up each spaces.

  2. Beautiful library. Colourful books. Most of the books are very old. Some from 1964. A number of people there to take photos and some students studying there. There’s different section of the library too. The ground floor has lots of seats and nicely decorated since Christmas is coming. There’s lift to go to upper level. Cafe is on 1st floor.

  3. The State Library will always hold a special place in my heart. From studying in the Mortlock Wing for my final exams to searching for my Research Project resources with the lovely staff, to getting told off my the security guard for chatting and giggling with friends in the silent section time and time again.

    I recently decided to show an interstate friend around the State Library, and explored the exhibition on the ‘Gardens of Adelaide’. It was very interesting learning about the history of some of our well-known suburbs, and spotting areas we still frequent nowadays on the old maps.

    Towards the back of the exhibition was an interactive activity space, where out of paper, scissors and tape, you could use your creativity to make your own garden creation and stick it on the wall. Of course, as two adults in their mid-twenties, this activity was made for us.

    I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I like to think my bottle brushes far exceeded the standards of the pieces around mine.

  4. Great place to show kids one of the world’s most beautiful libraries!
    Show them how newspaper were printed before digitalisation began!
    Also has a big reference book section available on all topics – old world google process

  5. A beautiful building with a host of activities for all ages. The Mortlock wing is exceptional with its vast array of old books. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

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