State Library of South Australia named world’s second most beautiful library

South Australia has plenty to be proud of, and now we can add another jewel to the crown, the State Library of South Australia has been named the second most beautiful library in the world at the prestigious 1000 Libraries Awards 2025.

The honour was decided by more than 200,000 votes from book and library lovers across the globe, shining a well-deserved spotlight on Adelaide’s beloved Mortlock Chamber.

And really, who could disagree?

With its grand tiered galleries, wrought-iron balconies, timeless clock, and more than 40,000 books lining the shelves, the Mortlock Chamber feels like stepping straight into another world. It’s a place where history, architecture and imagination meet, a space just as perfect for quiet study as it is for daydreaming.