Overview of the RGS Library and Access to It.

The Library of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia contains over 25,000 volumes and is one of the most significant collections of rare geographical books and manuscripts in Australia.  The oldest book in the library is a beautifully bound version of  Ptolemy’s Geographia published in 1482. In addition there are 26 other book published before 1599 including two Ortelius atlases (1571 and 1598). Other rare atlases include two Colom atlases (c1650 and  1670) and  Mercator’s atlas (1635).  The manuscript collection contains many significant items including three Sir Joseph Banks’ manuscripts (1766, 1768, 1811), John McDouall Stuart’s diary of his fifth expedition (1861/62) and two letters written by Colonel Light.  Many of the Library’s rare items are included in our exhibition catalogues.
   
 
The Society's Library is largely based on four private collections that have given it a broad base in historical geography, colonial history, anthropology and travel:

New books continue to be purchased for the library and we are always grateful for appropriate donations. The Centenary Library Fund was established in 1985 to assist with making special purchases. Donations to this fund of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.

Public enquiries are welcome.

Many books and periodicals are available for loan to members. Loans to other libraries are currently arranged through the State Library’s Document Delivery Service.   (info@slsa.sa.gov.au)

Hours:    Tuesday to Friday  10 am to 1 pm    (By prior arrangement Library material can be made available for reading in the State Library’s Somerville Reading Room)

Phone: 08 82077266    Fax: 08 82077265  Email:  library@rgssa.org.au

Volunteer librarians:  Kevin Griffin (Library Manager), Phyl Twigg, Michael Dover, David Wald, Kathy Boyes (Cataloguer)

Location:  The Library and the Society’s office are located on Level 2 of the Mortlock Wing of the State Library of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide.  (Postal address: PO Box 3661, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, 5000)

Tours of the Library   These are available by prior arrangement. A general tour will usually include rare books on discovery and exploration with some dating back to the sixteenth century, examples of early natural history books (eg two books on Australian insects with hand-coloured illustrations both published in 1805), early South Australian maps, artefacts including Colonel Light’s level and furniture made by John McDouall Stuart.  A tour of the top gallery of the Mortlock Wing is usually part of a general tour. The gallery, which is not usually open to public access, includes about 9,000 books, many of which were originally part of the York Gate Library which the Society purchased in 1905.

Many of the Library’s rarest items are held in the State Library’s Rare and Restricted Room and can only be included in tours by prior arrangement.  Examples include: Joseph Banks’ manuscripts, John Gould’s famous volumes on the birds and mammals of Australia and original watercolours of George French Angas. 

Tours on specific subjects can also be arranged.