03/08/2026
It is with great sadness that the State Library of South Australia shares the news of the passing on Saturday of Valmai Hankel AM PSM.
Valmai started at the State Library in 1958 and stayed with us for 43 years. She was widely respected for her work with the Library's South Australiana, rare books and w**e collections. Many visitors will remember her 'White Gloves' presentations where she would talk about collection items with both deep knowledge and a sense of fun.
She was a regular columnist with the 'Adelaide Review', writing about w**e, and her travels in the Australian outback, a place she loved so much.
Following retirement Valmai continued her support of the Library through her involvement with the Friends of the State Library of South Australia.
Valmai's dedication, expertise and advocacy for libraries have left a lasting legacy at the State Library and across the library sector. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and former colleagues during this difficult time.
Vale Valmai.
Portrait by Daryl Austin
