A free new children’s library designed for South Australia’s youngest readers is set to open inside the State Library of South Australia this August.
The State Library has unveiled designs for Little Library, a purpose-built space for children aged 0 to 11 to read, play, explore and discover stories in a new family-friendly setting on North Terrace.
As one would imagine, books and reading are shaping the whole experience with the design specifically keeping in mind what children would love most.
The space aims to to enrich the minds of children through hands-on exploration, imaginative play and programs and events.
State Library of South Australia Director, Megan Berghuis, said they’re more than excited to welcome kids into the space.
“Little Library will share the local stories that celebrate the places, people and perspectives of South Australia, connecting generations and fostering a sense of belonging through the stories that make us.
“This includes working with the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music and Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi at Adelaide University to bring elements of the Kaurna Songbook into Little Library.”
Image: State Library of South Australia
The State Library was actually the home to Australia’s first public children’s library which opened back in 1915.
From 1927 to 1967, the Children’s Library was located in the former Police Barracks behind the State Library, pictured above in 1956. During the 1949 polio epidemic, Red Cross volunteers and the Children’s Library ran a home delivery lending service for around 200 bedridden children across the suburbs.
The following year, in 1950, the Board introduced unrestricted lending from the Children’s Library, and in 1957, a Youth Lending Service was launched.
Fast forwarding back to 2026, the new Little Library was brought to life by global experience design agency Art Processors and features artworks by Adelaide-based creatives, Carlo Jensen, Andrew Joyner and Lawson Dodd.
The space will be host of events, and evolving rance of programs that kids, families and carers can enjoy, all while being a spot for functional book borrowing and resources.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts, Kyam Maher MLC said the governemnt are proud to invest in the literacy and imagination of children.
“Little Library is more than a space, it’s a commitment to the next generation of curious, creative kids and a reflection of our dedication to the Arts and to the importance of the cultural institutions that shape our state,” Kyam said.
The library will open its doors in August on the ground floor Spence Wing in the heart of the State Library on North Terrace.
Little Library
When: coming August 2026
Where: Corner of North Terrace & Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
