New home for City Library

The City Library will soon have an exciting new home, bringing together the city and the state’s remarkable collections, in one stunning location.

In a move that is expected to significantly increase visitation to the State Library of South Australia, the City Library will relocate from Rundle Mall in early 2026.

This close partnership will offer improved library services and accessible programs for the community from one central location.

The State Library of South Australia is the largest public research library in the state and among the most iconic cultural institutions in South Australia.

Located on North Terrace, it plays a significant role in collecting, preserving and making accessible the State’s history for current and future generations with more than 550,000 people through its doors each year and its digital collections and websites accessed almost 12,000 times each day.

At the same time, the City Library welcomes approximately 220,000 visitors each year and is home to everything from the latest books and authors to digital resources, games, music toys, creative programs and exhibitions.

The two will remain separate entities co-located within the same building for additional convenience for regular library visitors.

The shift will be complemented by the Malinauskas Government’s $2 million investment to create a new children’s space on the ground floor of the State Library of South Australia.

Quotes

Attributable to Andrea Michaels

This is a very exciting announcement that will see thousands of additional visitors to the State Library of South Australia each year.

The State Library was recently recognised as the second most beautiful library in the world and this is a fantastic opportunity for more people to come in and experience it.

The Malinauskas Government has invested $2 million to create a dedicated children’s space in the State Library and this move will see thousands of new families come in and enjoy it.

Attributable to Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith

The City of Adelaide is committed to encouraging bold, interesting and purposeful developments that shape Adelaide as an engaging place to live, learn and visit.

We’re supporting the changing needs of our community by adapting and improving our existing facilities, building a literary hub that will appeal to an even more diverse demographic of city residents, workers, students and visitors.”

Attributable to Director of State Library of South Australia Megan Berghuis

We are excited to partner with the City Library and incorporate their signature vibrancy and activation into the library to deliver an even more enhanced and inclusive experience for our community.

Since the reopening of the Mortlock Wing on 3 October, we have had more than 18,000 visitors to the space, so are elated for what’s ahead and to come for the libraries in 2026 and beyond.