Stories from the stacks

Explore fascinating stories from the collections of the State Library of South Australia.

The stories that make us.

Circulation Library books at the State Library of South Australia
Sales brochure cover of Australia's own car.

The Holden Collection

Take a sneak peek into the excitement of our upcoming exhibition with this short teaser of The Holden Collection. Opening in February 2025, to coincide with the Adelaide Motorsport Festival and the Adelaide Fringe, this exhibition will be a must-see cultural experience.

Cornucopia: gardens and gardening in South Australia

Cornucopia: Gardens and Gardening in South Australia

We invite you to explore a world of blooming beauty and historical wonder. Immerse yourself in South Australia's rich gardening heritage, where gardens are not just landscapes but living, breathing reflections of our past.  

Lust for Lifestyle, Modern Adelaide Homes 1950 to 1965

Lust for Lifestyle: Modern Adelaide Homes 1950-1965

Lust for Lifestyle offers insights into how the post-World War II generation of homeowners embraced modern family homes, designed by architects, which celebrated the pleasure of everyday life, their personality, and desired social status.

Port Gawler land release: The scandal of 1839

Port Gawler land release: The scandal of 1839

Was the Port Gawler land release of 1839 a hoax? The sandal attracted two court cases and a legacy that troubled the descendants of the families involved for many years after.

How did Australian children connect with the Overland Telegraph?

‘Kookaburra sits on the telegraph wire…’

How did Australian children connect with the Overland Telegraph? Find out in this unique story that takes a look at how children were involved with the Overland Telegraph Line.

Heroes of the skies: The great air race of 1919

Heroes of the skies

Discover the amazing story of the England to Australia air race of 1919, won by two of South Australia’s favourite sons, Captain Ross and Lieutenant Keith Smith, and their crew.

Watch episodes of Stories from the Stacks featuring items from the Sir Ross and Keith Smith collection

Great Air Race of 1919: Curator talks

Watch episodes of Stories from the Stacks featuring items from the Sir Ross and Keith Smith collection. Presented by Carolyn Spooner, Librarian at the State Library of South Australia and curator of the Heroes of the Skies exhibition held in 2019.

Read short-form stories from the stacks of the State Library of South Australia

More stories from the stacks

What's your favourite subject? We've taken a look into the State Library's collections and discovered many tales from South Australia including stories featuring crime and infamy, stories about hotels and pubs, local history, and innovation.

Explore more stories from the State Library's collection from a South Australian perspective.

The State Library of South Australia acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations, and recognises Aboriginal people as traditional custodians and occupants of South Australian land and waters.

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