25/08/26

South Australian children and families now have a new place to discover the joy of reading, with the opening of Little Library at the State Library of South Australia.

Little Library was developed through a $2 million investment from the Government of South Australia's Arts Investment Fund – delivered through CreateSA – and the Libraries Board of South Australia. The initiative was developed in partnership with the City of Adelaide Library and informed by research from Raising Literacy Australia’s Words Grow Minds campaign.

Designed for little hands, little eyes and big imaginations, the space combines early literacy principles with hands-on experiences that encourage children to read, talk, sing, play and explore.

Located on the ground floor of the State Library's Spence Wing, Little Library is a free, purpose-built space for children aged 0 to 11 that aims to foster literacy, curiosity and creativity from an early age.

At its heart is a curated collection of children's books available to browse and borrow. Families can enjoy story time, take part in programs and activities, explore quiet reading spaces, and join an evolving calendar of events designed to spark learning and imagination.

The project builds on the State Library's legacy as the original home of Australia's first public children's library, while creating a contemporary space that reflects the interests and needs of today's young readers.

Little Library also celebrates South Australian stories and culture. Developed in collaboration with Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music at the University of Adelaide, the space incorporates elements of the Kaurna Songbook, creating opportunities for children and families to engage with Kaurna language, culture and storytelling.

The colourful space was designed by experience design agency Art Processors and features artwork by Adelaide creatives Carlo Jensen, Andrew Joyner and Lawson Dodd.

The opening represents a significant investment in literacy, learning and cultural participation, creating a welcoming destination where South Australian children can develop a lifelong love of books and reading.

Visit the State Library South Australia website for more information.