State Library of South Australia

02/11/2026

💮A little piece of Japan, flourishing in South Australia 🪴

What happens when Japanese botanical art meets the gardens of the Adelaide Hills?

This beautiful album of 74 hand-coloured Japanese woodblock prints was purchased by members of the Gosse family during a visit to Japan in 1889. The prints depict plants later brought to South Australia and grown in Mount Lofty. 🌱

But look a little closer and you’ll find something extra special: handwritten notes in the margins recording when the plants flowered here in South Australia.

The Gosse family settled in Adelaide in 1850, with Dr William Gosse becoming a respected physician and his son, explorer William Christie Gosse, making his mark on South Australian history.

These prints offer a fascinating glimpse into the family’s botanical interests and the journey of plants adapting to a new home.

Explore the album and discover the flowers depicted in our catalogue: catalog.slsa.sa.gov.au/record=b2081536~S1

Or explore the digitised artworks here > https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+59472/1-74

Celebrating Bunka no Hi (Japanese Culture Day) through the stories held in our collections.

Adelaide Hills Council SLSA: B 59472

02/11/2026

To all the folks growing moustaches, beards or mutton chops for , best of luck with your whisker-growing efforts! 🥸

For a little facial hair inspiration, meet Josiah Boothby, Government Statistician, sporting slicked-back hair, magnificent mutton chops and a moustache in this 1870 portrait by Adelaide Photographic Co.

Did you know Boothby introduced uniform census procedures across Australia?

In 1878, he became Executive Commissioner for South Australia at the Paris Exhibition. He was later awarded the C.M.G. and the Cross of the Legion of Honour in recognition of his work.

Movember Australia slsa.sa.gov.au

01/11/2026

Happy to help author Kaz Cooke Official Page These photos are always a pleasure to share

My story is up on the Guardian Australia website about researching my new book Spooky Ladies, and especially finding the 1887 photos of Australian kids in bonkers costumes. Here's little Ethel from Adelaide, who's come as a demon from hell. Pics courtesy State Library of South Australia. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/oct/30/what-have-they-come-as-halloween-costume-inspiration-from-the-kids-of-1887 State Library of SA

30/10/2026

🎭 Fancy dress costumes from 1887

Back in September 1887, a Children’s Fancy Dress Ball was held at Adelaide Town Hall, hosted by Mayoress Elizabeth Smith, wife of Sir Edwin Thomas Smith.

With 800 invitations sent out, guests had plenty of time to research historical and literary fashion and create their costumes. Photographers Wivell & Co. and Duryea captured the young partygoers in their finery, preserving their imaginative outfits for future generations.

Fast-forward to today, and we’re wondering what costumes will be roaming the streets with and in town this weekend! 👻🦸

Your holds almost 400 photographs from the event, ready to inspire your next fancy dress creation.

Explore the collection online > https://bit.ly/slsa-1887ChildrensFancyDressCostumes

SLSA: B7723 slsa.sa.gov.au

30/10/2026

🎄Got a tricky person to buy a gift for? We’ve got some rather unusual ideas…

🧦What about socks featuring a map of Adelaide from 1842?
🏉Or a cushion showcasing the 1923 SA Football League finals from the ‘SA Footballer’ magazine?
🐞Perhaps you know a budding entomologist who’d love a shower curtain featuring South Australian insects illustrated by George French Angas?

From historical maps and sporting memorabilia to fascinating flora and fauna, ’s Redbubble gift shop is full of wonderfully unexpected finds inspired by our collections. Uniquely South Australian. Uniquely you.

Find something delightfully different for the curious, the quirky and the impossible-to-buy-for.

🎁Explore the shop > bit.ly/shopslsa 👀

28/10/2026

"It's my go!"
"Not it's not, it's my turn!"
"And I said it's my turn."

"Why don't we all have a go. Two each end?"
"What a good idea!"

Children playing on a see-saw, c1900. Location unknown.
https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+48010

27/10/2026

Thank you for sharing your ideas 💡

Our survey on the future of libraries across South Australia has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute.

We’ll now review the survey responses alongside feedback from the public workshop and other consultation activities. The themes and priorities identified will help inform the Libraries Board of South Australia’s next strategic plan.

We’ll share further updates as this work progresses.

Libraries SA slsa.sa.gov.au

26/10/2026

📽️🎶Every audiovisual recording is a window: your window to the world

From film reels and videotapes to sound recordings and digital files, audiovisual collections capture the people, places and experiences that shape our stories.

But time isn’t always kind to these recordings. Some are stored on obsolete formats, with playback equipment becoming increasingly rare.

At the State Library of South Australia, our Audiovisual Preservation team is working to keep these windows to the world open. Through specialist knowledge, digitisation and digital preservation, we’re helping safeguard these unique records so future generations can discover, hear and experience them.

This World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, we celebrate the people and skills helping bring the past into the future. 💛

slsa.sa.gov.au/news/story/2026/10/every-audiovisual-recording-a-window-your-window-to-world

26/10/2026

📚 Help shape library collections across South Australia!

Are you passionate about collection development, data-informed decision-making and supporting public libraries?

We’re looking for a Collection and Project Librarian for a 12-month contract. You will collaborate on collection management projects, champion best practice and provide specialist advice to help deliver customer-focused collections across South Australia.

In this role, you’ll:
📖 Lead collection management projects and initiatives.
🤝 Liaise with suppliers to ensure resources meet the needs of public library customers.
💡 Collaborate with and support staff in public libraries across SA.

Ready to make a difference to public library collections? Find out more and apply today > bit.ly/slsa-CollectionAndProjectLibrarian

26/10/2026

Looking for inspiration for Halloween this Saturday? 🎃👻

Thelma Afford is remembered as the brilliant costume designer behind South Australia’s 1936 Centenary Pageant. Your holds the collection and it's available to explore online!

From emus and barley sugar to fellowship and light, the collection is full of wonderfully imaginative costume designs. ✨

Explore the collection > bit.ly/slsa-ThelmaAffordCostumeCollection