Who are the Friends?
The Friends of the State Library have been supporting the Library for over 75 years. Their main objective is to raise funds to buy gifts of special interest and value to add to the State Library’s collections.
Friends come from all walks of life but share a passion for books, a belief in the importance of libraries and a determination to make their own personal contribution, however small, to South Australia’s heritage.

The Friends of the State Library began in 1932 during the Great Depression. At that time there were insufficient government funds to purchase even basic requirements. The Friends came to the Library’s aid and have continued to support the Library’s work and promote its interests ever since.

This has meant funding the acquisition of large numbers of rare and fine books, unique manuscripts, children’s games and art works to strengthen the many special collections which the State Library holds.
The Friends have a members’ Lounge in the Morgan Thomas Room on the first floor of the historic Institute Building on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue. Here members can drop in, take a break, enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat with other Friends.

It’s in the heart of the city, a heritage corner of the Library, and a quiet, relaxing space in which to spend some time. The Friends’ administration office is also there, staffed by our Executive Officer: it’s a source of information and an outlet for our publications.

By becoming a Friend, you join a group of interesting and interested people. You will be invited to take part in a program of activities that stimulate both the mind and the imagination.

These include monthly talks by well-known South Australians about books in their lives,
occasional lectures and talks on other topics, visits to other libraries, and enjoyable social functions, usually coinciding with important Library events.

In addition, Friends receive:
      * Priority ordering and discounts for all Friends’ publications
      * Invitations to all Friends’ events
      * Discounted admissions to State Library events
      * Generous discounts on purchases at Wakefield Press           
      * Discounts at other selected book and record stores 
      * Private viewings of State Library exhibitions
      * Reciprocal benefits at certain interstate and overseas libraries, museums and galleries
      * Copies of Bibliofile, the Friends’ annual journal, five Friends’ Newsletters each year, and the State Library’s          Extra, Extra, to keep you informed about Library news.

Publishing
The Friends are publishers as well as purchasers of books; since 1995 the Australiana Publications sub-committee has produced over 30 titles. These include elegant reproductions of important and beautiful historical works, making out-of-print pieces of Australian history available to a new audience. The books are published in limited editions, hand-bound in leather or cloth, and given added interest and value through scholarly introductions and superbly reproduced illustrations.

Volunteers
Many Friends decide to volunteer some of their time and skills to assisting in the running of Friends’ activities, and also of the Library’s,  welcoming and directing visitors, or helping international students with their English language proficiency, for
example.

Join the Friends, enjoy congenial company and support a great institution!

Download a membership form here.