Are you looking for a cultural and educational destination in Brisbane that offers something for everyone? Then you should visit State Library of Queensland, a stunning building that houses a range of collections, spaces, events, and services that showcase Queensland's heritage, history, art, design, and science. Whether you want to browse books, admire artworks, attend workshops, or enjoy a coffee, you will find plenty of ways to spend a day at the State Library of Queensland. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to plan and make the most of your visit, including how to get there, when to go, what to see, and what to do.
Getting Here
The State Library of Queensland is located at Stanley Place, South Brisbane, on the banks of the Brisbane River. It is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre, which also includes the Queensland Museum, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. You can easily get to the State Library of Queensland by public transport, car, bike, or foot.
Public transport:
The State Library of Queensland is well served by buses, trains, and ferries. The closest bus station is the Cultural Centre Busway Station, which is a short walk from the State Library. The closest train station is the South Brisbane Station, which is about 10 minutes walk from the State Library. The closest ferry terminal is the South Bank Ferry Terminal, which is about 15 minutes walk from the State Library. You can use the TransLink Journey Planner to plan your trip and find the best route and timetable for your travel.
Car:
If you are driving to the State Library of Queensland, you can park at the Queensland Cultural Centre Car Park, which is located under the Queensland Art Gallery and the State Library. The car park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and charges $17 per entry. You can also park at the South Bank Parklands Car Park, which is located across the river from the State Library. The car park is open from 5am to 1am, seven days a week, and charges $5 per hour or $16 per day. You can book your parking spot online to save time and money.
Bike:
If you are cycling to the State Library of Queensland, you can use the bike paths along the Brisbane River or the Bicentennial Bikeway. There are bike racks available at the entrance of the State Library, as well as at the Queensland Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art. You can also use the CityCycle bike hire scheme, which has stations near the State Library and other locations around the city. You can register online and pay a small fee to use the bikes for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Foot:
If you are walking to the State Library of Queensland, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline. You can cross the river from the CBD via the Victoria Bridge or the Kurilpa Bridge, which are both about 15 minutes walk from the State Library. You can also walk along the South Bank Parklands, which are adjacent to the State Library and offer a variety of attractions, such as the Wheel of Brisbane, the Streets Beach, and the Nepalese Peace Pagoda.
Spaces
The State Library of Queensland offers a variety of spaces that cater to different needs and interests. Whether you want to work, study, create, or relax, you will find a space that suits you. Some of the spaces that you can explore and enjoy at the State Library are:
The Edge:
The Edge is a creative space that supports art, science, technology, and enterprise. It provides access to resources, equipment, and workshops that enable you to learn new skills, develop your ideas, and collaborate with others. You can use the computers, printers, scanners, and wifi at the Edge for free, or book a meeting room, a recording studio, or a fabrication lab for a small fee. You can also join the events and programs that the Edge organizes, such as coding, gaming, music, and design sessions.
kuril dhagun:
kuril dhagun is a space that celebrates the culture and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It showcases the history, diversity, and creativity of Indigenous communities through exhibitions, events, and activities. You can learn about the traditional and contemporary practices, languages, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, and engage with their art, literature, and media. You can also participate in the workshops, talks, and festivals that kuril dhagun hosts, such as the NAIDOC Week, the Black&Write! Writers Fellowship, and the Indigenous Voices program.
John Oxley Library:
John Oxley Library is a space that preserves and shares the history and heritage of Queensland. It holds a collection of over 1.5 million items, including books, journals, newspapers, manuscripts, archives, maps, rare books, photographs, films, and videos. You can access the collection online or in person, and discover the stories and experiences of Queenslanders from the past and present. You can also attend the exhibitions, tours, and events that John Oxley Library offers, such as the Queensland Memory Awards, the Heritage Leaders Workshop, and the History Salon series.
You can find out more about the other spaces at the State Library of Queensland, such as the Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, the Business Studio, and the SLQ Gallery, on the State Library website.
Collections
The State Library of Queensland holds a rich and varied collection of materials that cover Queensland's culture, history, art, design, and science. The collection includes over 4 million items, such as books, journals, magazines, newspapers, manuscripts, archives, maps, rare books, music, photographs, films, videos, and e-resources. You can browse or search the collection online or in person, and access the information and knowledge that you need or want. Some of the highlights of the collection are:
Books:
The State Library of Queensland has over 1.8 million books in its collection, ranging from fiction to non-fiction, from classics to contemporary, from children's to adult's. You can find books on any topic or genre that you are interested in, such as literature, history, art, science, travel, biography, and more. You can also find books by Queensland authors, such as David Malouf, Kate Morton, Nick Earls, and Jessica Townsend, or books about Queensland, such as Thea Astley's A Kindness Cup, Matthew Condon's Three Crooked Kings, and Ashley Hay's The Railwayman's Wife.
Maps:
The State Library of Queensland has over 50,000 maps in its collection, dating from the 16th century to the present day. You can explore the maps that show the geography, history, and development of Queensland, Australia, and the world. You can also see the maps that illustrate the exploration, settlement, and discovery of new lands and regions, such as the maps by Abel Tasman, James Cook, and Matthew Flinders. You can also view the maps that depict the social, economic, and environmental aspects of Queensland, such as the maps of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Rare Books:
The State Library of Queensland has over 40,000 rare books in its collection, which are books that are valuable, unique, or significant for their age, edition, condition, or content. You can admire the rare books that showcase the beauty, craftsmanship, and innovation of bookmaking, such as the illuminated manuscripts, the incunabula, and the fine press books. You can also appreciate the rare books that reflect the history, culture, and diversity of Queensland, such as the first book printed in Queensland, the first book written by an Aboriginal author, and the first book in an Aboriginal language.
Events
The State Library of Queensland organizes and hosts a variety of events that cater to different audiences and interests. Whether you want to learn, create, or have fun, you will find an event that suits you. Some of the events that you can join at the State Library are:
Workshops:
The State Library of Queensland offers workshops that teach you new skills, inspire you to create, and help you to achieve your goals. You can choose from workshops that cover topics such as art, design, technology, business, writing, and more. You can also find workshops that are tailored for specific groups, such as children, teens, adults, seniors, and Indigenous peoples. You can check the workshop schedule and book your spot online on the State Library website.
Performances:
The State Library of Queensland hosts performances that entertain, educate, and engage you. You can enjoy performances that showcase the talent, diversity, and creativity of Queensland’s artists, musicians, dancers, actors, and comedians. You can also experience performances that celebrate the culture, history, and stories of Queensland’s communities, such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the multicultural groups, and the regional and rural areas. You can find out the performance details and get your tickets online on the State Library website.
Exhibitions:
The State Library of Queensland displays exhibitions that inform, fascinate, and challenge you. You can explore exhibitions that feature the collections, research, and projects of the State Library, as well as the works of local, national, and international artists and curators. You can also discover exhibitions that reflect the themes, issues, and trends that are relevant to Queensland, such as the environment, the identity, and the innovation. You can visit the exhibitions for free at the State Library, or view them online on the State Library website.
Services
The State Library of Queensland provides a range of services that support and enhance your visit and your learning. Whether you need help with your research, your project, or your access, you will find a service that meets your needs. Some of the services that you can use at the State Library are:
Research assistance:
The State Library of Queensland offers research assistance to help you find and use the information and resources that you need. You can ask a librarian for help in person, by phone, by email, or by chat, and get guidance on how to search the collection, access the databases, cite the sources, and more. You can also book a one-on-one consultation with a librarian for more in-depth assistance, or attend a research skills workshop to learn how to conduct effective research.
Copying and printing:
The State Library of Queensland allows you to copy and print the materials that you need for your personal use or study. You can use the self-service photocopiers, printers, and scanners that are available on each level of the State Library, or request a staff-assisted copying service for more complex or fragile items. You can also use the online printing service to send your documents to the State Library and collect them later. You can pay for the copying and printing services with your credit card or your SLQ membership card.
Wifi and internet access:
The State Library of Queensland provides free wifi and internet access to all visitors. You can connect your own device to the wifi network, or use one of the computers that are located on each level of the State Library. You can also borrow a laptop or a tablet from the information desk, or use a USB drive to transfer your files. You can access the internet for up to two hours per day, and use the web browsers, the email clients, and the office applications that are installed on the computers.
Assistive technology:
The State Library of Queensland provides assistive technology to enable everyone to access and enjoy the collections, spaces, and services. You can use the devices and software that are designed to assist people with vision, hearing, mobility, or learning difficulties, such as magnifiers, headphones, keyboards, and screen readers. You can also access the accessible formats of the materials, such as large print, audio, or braille. You can find the assistive technology on level 1 and level 3 of the State Library, or ask a staff member for help.
Food and Facilities
The State Library of Queensland offers a variety of food and facilities that make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you want to have a meal, a snack, or a drink, or use a locker, a toilet, or a baby change room, you will find an option that suits you. Some of the food and facilities that you can find at the State Library are:
The Library Cafe:
The Library Cafe is a cosy and casual cafe that serves delicious food and drinks. You can choose from a menu that includes sandwiches, salads, pies, cakes, coffee, tea, and more. You can also enjoy the views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline from the cafe’s balcony. The Library Cafe is open from Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 4pm.
The Pantry:
The Pantry is a convenient and affordable option that offers self-service food and drinks. You can select from a range of pre-packaged items, such as wraps, salads, muffins, chips, soft drinks, and water. You can also use the microwave, the toaster, and the kettle to heat up your food or make your own hot drink. The Pantry is open from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 8pm, and Friday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Vending machines:
The vending machines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide quick and easy access to food and drinks. You can find the vending machines on level 1 and level 3 of the State Library, and pay with your credit card or your SLQ membership card. You can choose from a variety of snacks, such as chocolate bars, biscuits, nuts, and candy, and beverages, such as coffee, tea, juice, and soda.
Lockers:
The lockers are located on level 1 and level 3 of the State Library, and allow you to store your belongings securely and conveniently. You can use the lockers for free, and access them with your SLQ membership card or a temporary locker card. You can store items such as bags, coats, umbrellas, and laptops, but not food, drinks, or valuables. You can use the lockers for up to four hours per day, and retrieve your items before the State Library closes.
Toilets:
The toilets are located on each level of the State Library, and are clean and accessible. You can find male, female, and unisex toilets, as well as toilets for people with disabilities. You can also find sanitary disposal units, sharps disposal units, and water fountains in the toilets. You can use the toilets for free, and follow the hygiene and safety guidelines that are displayed in the toilets.
Baby change rooms:
The baby change rooms are located on level 1 and level 3 of the State Library, and are designed to make your visit with your baby more comfortable and convenient. You can use the baby change rooms for free, and access them with your SLQ membership card or a temporary locker card. You can find facilities such as changing tables, nappy bins, sinks, and chairs in the baby change rooms. You can also breastfeed your baby in the baby change rooms, or in any other area of the State Library.
Access and Inclusion
The State Library of Queensland supports and celebrates diversity and inclusion, and provides accessible and welcoming spaces, resources, and programs for everyone. Whether you have a disability, a language barrier, or a cultural difference, you will find a way to access and enjoy the State Library. Some of the ways that the State Library of Queensland promotes access and inclusion are:
Ramps and lifts:
The State Library of Queensland has ramps and lifts that enable you to move around the building easily and safely. You can use the ramps and lifts to access all levels and spaces of the State Library, as well as the car park and the bus station. You can also use the wheelchair-accessible entrances and exits that are located on level 1 and level 2 of the State Library.
Hearing loops:
The State Library of Queensland has hearing loops that assist you to hear the sound and speech clearly and comfortably. You can use the hearing loops to access the audio and video materials in the collection, as well as the events and programs in the spaces. You can also use the headphones and the portable amplifiers that are available at the information desk, or bring your own hearing aid or cochlear implant.
Assistive technology:
The State Library of Queensland has assistive technology that enables you to access and use the collections, spaces, and services. You can use the devices and software that are designed to assist people with vision, hearing, mobility, or learning difficulties, such as magnifiers, headphones, keyboards, and screen readers. You can also access the accessible formats of the materials, such as large print, audio, or braille. You can find the assistive technology on level 1 and level 3 of the State Library, or ask a staff member for help.
Diversity and inclusion:
The State Library of Queensland celebrates diversity and inclusion, and respects and values the differences and similarities of all people. You can learn about and engage with the culture and stories of diverse communities, such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the multicultural groups, and the LGBTIQ+ communities. You can also participate in the programs and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, such as the Reconciliation Action Plan, the Multicultural Queensland Charter, and the Rainbow Pride Collection.
The State Library of Queensland is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy in Brisbane. It offers a range of collections, spaces, events, and services that cater to different needs and interests. Whether you are a local or a tourist, a student or a professional, a bookworm or a maker, you will find something that appeals to you at the State Library of Queensland.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit today and discover the culture and history of Queensland. And don’t forget to share your feedback and experiences with us on our website or social media. We would love to hear from you!
