The library lovers have spoken – the State Library of South Australia is officially the second-most beautiful in the world.
The SLSA finished behind only the world-renowned Library of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland – home of ninth-century illuminated text the Book of Kells – and ahead of the Abbey Library of St Gallen in Switzerland, which can date its roots back to 612.
The 1000 Libraries Award, decided by more than 200,000 online votes from library lovers across the globe, puts Adelaide’s beloved Mortlock Chamber in the international spotlight.
The awards celebrate the world's most beautiful libraries, bookshops and book cafes, as voted by the public.
Central to the State Library’s nomination was 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.
The 1000 Libraries website (external site) said of the State Library: “If you ever want to know what it’s like to have your jaw drop to the floor, take a stroll through the State Library of South Australia – particularly the famous Mortlock Chamber.
“Though the library as a whole was established in 1836, this particular chamber came a bit later, opening in 1884. It has a gorgeous Victorian design with a long, barrel-vaulted skylight that lends an almost transcendent elegance to this literary space.
“Aside from the architecture, the library itself holds a vast collection of documents on South Australian history from pre-colonial times to today. There’s even a nice little café to top off a pleasant visit.”
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.
To support ongoing preservation, the Mortlock Chamber is closed until September 2025 while carpeting works are undertaken.
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