South Australians love their libraries — and it’s easy to see why.

4 July 2025

Across South Australia, more than 140 public libraries are run by a dedicated team of 900+ staff and countless volunteers - and together, they’re attracting 10 million visits a year.

What’s drawing people into libraries? Sure, there are books. But there’s also yoga. Drones. Bakeware. Author talks. Quiet nooks for work. Tech help for grandparents. Basically, if you haven’t been to a library in a while… you might want to rethink that.

Spend nothing. Head to your library.

When everything else is getting more expensive, your library still offers free access. And more South Australians are turning to their local library for the things they need — some they never knew they could even borrow.

With your One Card, you can get:

Books, eBooks and audiobooks
Free Wi-Fi, computer access and tech help
Printing and scanning
Bookable meeting rooms and study spaces
Movies, music and magazines (stream or borrow)
Workshops, book clubs and community events
Storytime and school holiday programs for kids
Toys, sporting goods and more through a Toy Library or Library of Things.

Real-life support, where you need it.

Libraries are adapting to meet broader community needs. In the City of Salisbury, residents can now chat to a social worker on site in the Salisbury Community Hub Library, thanks to a partnership with local not-for-profit Sonder.

It’s an easy-access step for support – available in a place you can already trust.

A library of things.

Ever bought something that now lives in a cupboard? (Looking at you, chocolate fountain).

We’ve all got those one-hit wonders – a boardgame, cake turntable, maybe even a drone? Seemed like a great idea at the time. But the cost per use? Ouch. And the space they take up? Even worse.

Enter the Library of Things. Available at select SA libraries, a Library of Things lets you borrow all kinds of handy (and sometimes quirky) items – from bakeware and tools to podcast kits and sporting goods – for zero cost.

They’re perfect for one-off projects, events or trial runs. No cost, no clutter.

Events and activities worth bookmarking.

More than 64,000 programs and services run across SA libraries every year – and yes, most of them are free.

You could research your family history, pick up a new hobby, join a club, learn a language, get into yoga or dance, take your kids to giggletime or a playgroup. There’s something surprising (and seriously good) on offer at your local library.

Libraries after dark.

Burning the midnight oil? Some libraries are open after dark (or even 24/7), giving night owls, crammers and remote workers a quiet space, free Wi-Fi, and study pods – all after hours.

If you need to study or work after the clock turns five, head to one of the public libraries with extended hours to access self-service facilities.

Meet your favourite author.

Want the inside scoop on how your favourite book was written? “Meet the Author” sessions give you the chance to get up close with the minds behind great works.

From big-name bestselling novelists to emerging local talents, these events are your front-row seat to hear how stories come to life – and maybe even get a few pages signed.

Free streaming. No catch or fine print.

Binge-worthy books. Addictive podcasts. Movies, music, magazines – all with a library card (and none of the monthly streaming fees).

Your One Card is basically an all-access pass to a digital library. Stream or download anytime – from eBooks and audiobooks to streaming movies or music, there’s something to suit every mood.

There is also a huge range of children's programming, educational games and activities, access to ancestry libraries and even LinkedIn Learning.

No subscription fees. You just need your library card.

All welcome. Always.

Libraries are more than just quiet spaces — they’re safe and inclusive spaces for anyone seeking support, companionship, or simply a friendly place to be. Whether you're new to the area or just looking for a sense of connection, your local library is a great place to start.