Mortlock Library’s gorgeous 1883 building deserves its place among the world’s best libraries

ADELAIDE’S Mortlock Library has been rated as one of the world’s top 25 libraries, and one of just two from Australia.

HERE’S one for the books — the Mortlock Wing is one of the world’s top 25 libraries.

Housed in the State Library of South Australia, the Mortlock has been named the 18th most inspirational library by Citi IO, a not for profit organisation that looks at the interplay of cities and technology and people

Only one other Australian library made it onto the list — the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, which is in seventh spot.

“These libraries are testaments to the enduring and inspiring energy we draw from architecture, art, sciences, and the human spirit,” Citi IO stated.

State Library director Alan Smith said there was no doubting the Mortlock’s tremendous appeal.

“The Mortlock Wing is absolutely gorgeous,” he said. “We were overjoyed to be in that company, too.”

The list set the Mortlock among some of the world’s most famous libraries, both old and contemporary, starting with Trinity College Library, in Dublin, Ireland, and national libraries of France and the US.

“I think it just goes to show that beauty is very important in public buildings. Quality of design, and particularly the quality of things that lift the heart and the soul is terribly important,” Mr Smith said.

With a soaring, three level attrium, and a high, central skylight, the Mortlock, which opened in 1883, was established as the library, museum and art gallery of the young State of South Australia.

Students love to settle down to study in its higher levels during the day, and Mr Smith speculates that they hope all the knowledge contained in its 23,000 books will somehow seep in.

The Mortlock, which used to close at 5pm, now plays host to many events after hours, ranging from weddings and feasts to recitals, opera, and theatre.

“It has a surprising good acoustic,” Mr Smith said.

About 800,000 people visit the State Library each year, but Mr Smith said attendances were declining, while online access to the library’s digital collections was rapidly increasing, 24/7, from all parts of the world.