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The magic of Christmas at the Mortlock 

This year the magic of Christmas comes to the Mortlock, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, starting on Pageant Day.

There is something for everyone to see and discover, from the largest indoor Christmas tree in Adelaide, storytelling sessions near the tree, to fascinating and fun displays of all things Christmas from the State Library’s collections.

Hear the sounds of Christmas including carols, and songs by Patsy Biscoe, Kamahl and Jimmy Barnes. There are also beautiful toys from our Children’s Literature Research Collection on display. 

Powered by SA Power Networks, the giant Christmas tree stretches high up into the Mortlock.

Pageant Day at the Mortlock

Saturday 12 November | Special opening times

Let the magic of your Christmas Pageant day continue by popping into the Mortlock to experience one of the world's most beautiful libraries all dressed for Christmas. See Adelaide's largest indoor Christmas tree, make an ornament to decorate a Christmas tree and read in our reading nook.

Choral Grief performance

Join us at 11am to hear Christmas carols performed by Choral Grief, an Adelaide based vocal ensemble. 

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Come and see our giant tree

A very special Christmas experience is waiting for you. Away from the busyness of the season, our Christmas tree with its twinkling lights stands majestically in the Mortlock. This is a must-see for Christmas lovers of all ages.

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Decorate a Christmas ornament

Hang it on our tree

Help decorate a Christmas tree in the magical Mortlock by colouring and hanging a Christmas ornament inspired by the images from the Kubašta pop-up book, Father Christmas.

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School choirs

Singing in the Mortlock

Join us in the Mortlock Chamber from Monday 5 December to Friday 9 December as local school choirs fill the Chamber with Christmas cheer.

 

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Buy a Book, Gift a Book

Raising Literacy Australia

Bring the magic and wonder of Christmas to vulnerable and disadvantaged children by buying a book when you visit the Mortlock to support their literacy development. Books to be bought from the Raising Literacy Australia table.

We are partnering with Raising Literacy Australia to support their Buy a Book, Gift a Book initiative which directly benefits South Australian children in out of home care through their Read to Me program. The program provides these children with regular deliveries of books, resources and activities, supporting their development in the critical early years.

Christmas storytelling

In the Mortlock

'Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the Mortlock, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...but wait someone was telling stories!

Join us as local authors and storytellers share their favourite Christmas stories under our giant Christmas tree in the Mortlock Chamber.

Find out more

Cherished toys from 
the past

Christmas display

See a selection of antique toys that reflect the gifts children would have received in days gone by.

Items on display are part of the Children’s Literature Research Collection, a special collection of books, games, toys, and ephemera.

Discover more

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Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners

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.

Image credits
  1. Father Christmas on his sleigh in the Adelaide Christmas Pageant, c1981. SLSA PRG 1662/4/36.
  2. Image supplied by Choral Grief.
  3. Carols by the sea and choir, Jetty Road pageant, c1950. SLSA B 71599/14.
  4. Photo by Ben White on Unsplash.
  5. Toy rocking horse, part of the Children's Literature Research Collection.
Copyright © 2022 State Library of South Australia, All rights reserved.


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