The State Library of South Australia has been honoured with a nomination in the Top 10 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World as part of the 1000 Libraries Awards 2025.
It joins other esteemed nominees in this category including the Library of Trinity College Dublin, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Austrian National Library, and the New York Public Library.
The 1000 Libraries Awards celebrate the world's most beautiful libraries, bookshops and book cafes, as voted by the public.
Central to this nomination is the Mortlock Chamber — a beloved space for South Australians and visitors alike, where architecture, history and stories intersect.
The Mortlock Chamber is a stunning example of mid-Victorian public design, first opening on 18 December 1884 as a hub for the public library, museum and art gallery.
With an initial collection of 23,000 books and a dedicated staff of three, this iconic building laid the foundation for a visionary cultural precinct.
Other interesting facts about the Mortlock Chamber include:
- Original rough iron handrails with painted gold features and furniture remain throughout the building, and the chairs feature hand-carved insignia for the South Australia Institute, originally based in the Institute Building.
- The Dent and Sons clock inside the hall was installed in 1887 and is hand-wound every week by a State Library staff member.
- The clock was made by Dent and Sons of the Strand, London (who also made the clock in the Big Ben Tower). This was purchased by Sir Charles Todd, best known as the engineer responsible for constructing the Overland Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin in 1872.
- Gas lighting was used in the building until 1914, until the pipes previously used for heating or lighting were repurposed to carry cabling for electricity installed.
- The basement once housed working taxidermists. Some of these animals can still be found at the neighbouring South Australian Museum.
- Today, the Mortlock Wing houses over 40,000 books and precious collections.
Almost 500,000 people visit the State Library each year. With a vast collection that takes up to almost 60km of shelving, it plays a significant role in collecting, preserving and making accessible the State’s history for current and future generations to enjoy, experience and learn from.
State Library Director Megan Berghuis described the Mortlock Chamber as one of the "most loved and remarkable spaces in South Australia".
"The State Library houses some of our world-class collections, is a beloved space for researchers, authors and students and hosts seasonal events, displays and activities for the whole family," she said.
"We are thrilled again to be nominated amongst some of the most recognisable libraries in the world and encourage South Australians and all who love the Mortlock Chamber to vote for this cherished cultural institution."
To support ongoing preservation, the Mortlock Chamber will be closed from June through to September 2025 while carpeting works are undertaken.
To vote for the State Library, visit the 1000 Libraries Awards 2025.
Voting is open until 15 July 2025, with the winners announced 21 July 2025.
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