Stories from the stacks

Explore the stories that make us from the collections of the State Library of South Australia

#TheStoriesThatMakeUs #StoriesFromTheStacks #StateLibrarySA

Circulation Library books at the State Library of South Australia
A colourised and altered version of a sketch by Benjamin H. Babbage featuring the Ockingdean Flat, which was one of the locations where the OTL was installed. SLSA: PRG 404/19/3/64

‘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.

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. Together with their mechanics, Sergeants Wally Shiers and Jim Bennett, they were the first Australian airmen to fly from England to Australia, achieved in 28 days in a modified Vickers Vimy bomber.

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.

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.

TopBuilt with Shorthand