Brisbane’s libraries are vibrant, busy places that help thousands of people find all sorts of information. We’ve collected details on the many libraries in the greater Brisbane region. Most of them are council libraries but you might be surprised to find you can use the resources at university, corporate or specialist libraries too.
State Library of Queensland
You must visit the brand new State Library of Queensland. Next to the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in the cultural precinct at South Bank, the State Library has fantastic facilities for everyone.
- Go online at public access terminals
- See an exhibition
- Watch a film
- Do research
You can use the many virtual services of the National Library of Australia too.
University libraries
The huge resources of Brisbane’s universities are available for public use.
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QUT library – anyone can visit the library and use the reference materials and items on the shelves. If you want to borrow (unless you are studying or working at QUT) you need to become an associate member. Alumni (people who graduated from QUT) can become a borrowing member at a cheaper rate. QUT has five libraries: Caboolture, Carseldine, Kelvin Grove, Gardens Point and the Law Library.
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Griffith Uni - the public can also use the resources of all Griffith University libraries by paying for membership.
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UQ library - it is free for the general public to use any of the on-site collections. There are branches at St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton (plus the teaching hospitals). The general public can borrow from University of Queensland but it is not cheap. If possible, see if you are eligible for cheaper membership as a UQ graduate or staff at one of the UQ teaching hospitals (which includes Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Royal Children's Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Mater Hospital).
The libraries of Brisbane North Institute of TAFE are not open to the public, only students and staff.
Specialist libraries
- Department of Natural Resources and Water libraries - locations in the city, Woolloongabba and Indooroopilly. The public can access the resources on weekdays and you can arrange loans to be transferred to a public library
- Queensland Family History Society library - you must be a member or pay an entry fee. Specialises in genealogical materials
- Mount Coot-tha Council library - specialises in resources relevant to astronomy and plants
- Supreme Court Library – is a specialised law library with extensive printed and online legal resources. It is open to people in the legal profession, students and litigants in person (people defending their own case). Open weekdays 9am – 5pm in Brisbane’s Supreme Court Building.
Council Libraries
Brisbane City Council libraries
Libraries open on Sundays: Brisbane Square Library, Carindale Library, Chermside Library, Garden City Library, Indooroopilly Library and Mt Coot-tha Library. All others are closed Sundays.
There are 32 libraries, plus a mobile service to outlying areas.
Brisbane Square library - is the newest Council library in the city – it has an automated book shelving machine, great facilities including lounging chairs, listening stations and public meeting rooms. There’s a well-designed children’s section and windows with views across the river. You’ve gotta take a look!
Brisbane City Council libraries - Did you know?
- CDs and DVDs are for loan at all libraries
- Once you have a library card, borrow from any Council library. Children can get their own library cards too. All card holders can borrow up to 20 items for one month
- You can return your Council items to any library, regardless of which branch you borrowed it from
- You can borrow magazines
- There are events at the libraries, such as shows, talks and book clubs. Find out what’s happening in your local library
- Read the daily papers (not for loan)
- You can hire a meeting room
- Ask the librarian for help
Find out lots more about Brisbane City Council libraries
Logan
Has five branches in Logan shire.
Pine Rivers
Five libraries in Pine Rivers – Albany Creek, Kallangur, Arana Hills, Pathways, Strathpine and a mobile library. See what services they offer residents.
Caboolture
Caboolture has six branch libraries, three community libraries and even one at a train station. How fun – Caboolture also has two toy libraries. And sports equipment (all sorts!) is available for loan from the Burpengary library.
Redcliffe
Redcliffe Library is located on Oxley Avenue.
Redland Shire
Redland Shire has seven branch libraries and one mobile library.
