Little Library: New Children’s Library Opening at the State Library | 22 & 23 Aug 2026
Little Library is a brand-new, purpose-built children’s library opening at the State Library of South Australia in August 2026.
Designed especially for children aged 0–11 years, Little Library is a purpose-built, vibrant space where kids can play, explore, imagine and develop a lifelong love of reading through interactive experiences, books, engaging programs and events. Little Library isn’t just be a beautiful place to visit; it will also function as a working library.
The space will also showcase the people, places and perspectives that make South Australia unique, helping children connect with their community through books, art and storytelling. The State Library is also collaborating with the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music and Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi at Adelaide University to incorporate elements of the Kaurna Songbook, celebrating Kaurna language and culture within the space.
Where will Little Library be located?
Little Library is located on the ground floor of the State Library’s Spence Wing, right in the heart of the State Library on North Terrace.
When will Little Library open?
A weekend to celebrate the official opening will be held on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026, giving families the opportunity to be among the first to step inside Little Library.
During the opening weekend visits to Little Library are by timed-entry booking, giving every family space to explore, play and discover together. And that’s just the beginning.
Across both days, the rest of the State Library will be filled with free drop-in activities for families. Follow the fun through the building with stories to stumble upon, things to make, games to play, places to dance and surprises waiting around every corner. Book your Little Library session, then stay and enjoy the opening weekend festivities before or after your visit.
RSVP TO THE OPENING WEEKEND
DISCOVER MORE FAMILY FUN AT THE STATE LIBRARY
Little Library designed by leading creatives
The new space has been designed from a child’s perspective and developed using research from Raising Literacy Australia’s Words Grow Minds campaign, to create a space that supports the diverse literacy needs of South Australian children. Little Library has been brought to life by global experience design agency Art Processors and will feature artwork by well-known Adelaide creatives Carlo Jensen, Andrew Joyner and Lawson Dodd.
The project has been developed in partnership with the City of Adelaide’s City Library, combining the expertise of both State and Public Libraries to create a space that supports children at every stage of their literacy journey.
The project has received $2 million in funding through the South Australian Government’s Arts Investment Fund.
EXPLORE THE STATE LIBRARY MORTLOCK WING
EXPLORE NORTH TERRACE IN ADELAIDE
For more information and all enquiries please visit the State Library of South Australia website.
What: Little Library at the State Library of South Australia
When: Opening Weekend – Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 August 2026
Where: Spence Wing | State Library of South Australia, corner of North Terrace & Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
Who: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and primary school-aged children (0–11 years)
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied
SUBSCRIBE
Follow Play & Go on Facebook and Instagram
Want to get all the latest events and activities straight to your inbox?
Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest posts and find out all the best events & activities for Adelaide families. Newsletters are only sent once a week, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!
