The State Library of Queensland

State Library - Brisbane
The State Library of Queensland is a large public library provided to the people of the State of Queensland, Australia, by the state government. Its legislative basis is provided by the Queensland Libraries Act 1988. It contains a significant portion of Queensland’s documentary heritage, major reference and research collections, and is an advocate of and partner with public libraries across Queensland. The library is at Kurilpa Point, within the Queensland Cultural Centre on the Brisbane River at South Bank. History The Brisbane Public Library was established by the government of the Colony of Queensland in 1896, and was renamed the Public Library of Queensland in 1898. The library was opened to the public in 1902. In 1934 the Oxley Memorial Library (now the John Oxley Library, and named for the explorer John Oxley), opened as a centre for research and study relating specifically to Queensland. The Libraries Act of 1943 established the Library Board of Queensland to manage the Public Library of Queensland; three years later, under the terms of The Oxley Memorial Library of Queensland Act, it took over management of the Oxley Memorial Library as well. The old State Library with extension, built in the late 1950s A year after that, James L. Stapleton was appointed Queensland's first State Librarian. He remains the longest-serving CEO, and has been followed by four others: Sidney Lawrence (Lawrie) Ryan (1970–1988) Des Stephens (1988–2001) Lea Giles-Peters (2001–2011) Janette Wright (2012- ) In 1971, the "Public Library" became the "State Library." The following year, the Public Library Service was established to liaise with Queensland local authorities regarding their public libraries; a subsidy for employing qualified staff in public libraries was also established. A few years later the Country Lending Service (CLS) was established to provide book exchange and other services to public libraries in Queensland's smaller local government areas. The CLS is still going strong today, administered by the State Library's Public Library Services program. In 2003 the State Library began a new mission when it established the first fifteen of its Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) in the Cape York and Torres Strait regions. Other IKCs were opened in the following years. The library's current mission statement motto is Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other.[1] [edit] Collection and services This section is in a list format that may be better presented using prose. You can help by converting this section to prose, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (December 2010) General collections, including books, journals and magazines, newspapers, audiovisual, family history, maps, music, ephemera, Internet and electronic resources. Research collections and services – including the John Oxley Library and the Australian Library of Art, which includes the James Hardie Library of Australian Fine Arts. [edit] Services Access to collections, including access to 50,000 Copyright-free Queensland images through Wikimedia Commons[2] Provides books and other resource material to public libraries throughout Queensland. Specialist services to public libraries in a number of areas, including services to young people and multicultural communities. Public programs and exhibitions, including exhibition loans to schools, museums and other community organisations. Outreach programs in reference, research, information literacy, Internet training and digitisation throughout Queensland for public library staff and the general community. Library services to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders including the establishment of Indigenous Knowledge Centres primarily in Cape York and Torres Strait regions and increasing the employment and training opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the library industry. A digital culture centre called The Edge, for young people.[3] [edit] Architecture Interior of the State Library The then-Brisbane Public Library moved into the old State Library building in William Street, Brisbane in 1899. This building had formerly been occupied by the Queensland Museum. The Library originally shared accommodation in the building with an art gallery. In the late 1950s, an extension, with a distinctive tiled mural on the exterior, was built onto the building to provide more space. The mural was the winning design in a national competition held in 1958. In 1988, the State Library of Queensland moved to a new home within the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank, near the Queensland Museum and the original Queensland Art Gallery. After three years of extensive redevelopment, the South Bank building officially re-opened on 25 November 2006 as "a new cultural and knowledge destination" and a fitting showcase for the collections. New services include the kuril dhagun Indigenous Knowledge Centre, and The Corner, an activities area for children under 8, their parents, carers, educators and friends. The newly redeveloped building was designed by Brisbane based architecture firms Donovan Hill and Peddle Thorp. Their work earned them the prestigious RAIA Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture, 2007 (award for best public building in Australia)[4] and the RAIA Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture, 2007.[5] The building overlooks Stanley Place between the Queensland Art Gallery and the new Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. [edit] Governance The State Library of Queensland is governed by the Library Board of Queensland and comprises the following program units: Collection Access Collection Preservation Finance, Facilities & Administration Heritage Collections Information Communications and Technology Services Indigenous Library Services Marketing & Communications People & Learning Policy & Planning Public Library Services Public Programs Queensland Community Books Reference Services Resource Discovery

, located in the heart of Brisbane, is a cultural and intellectual cornerstone of the Australian state of Queensland. This iconic institution, often simply referred to as "SLQ," is not just a library in the traditional sense; it is a dynamic hub of knowledge, culture, and innovation that plays a pivotal role in fostering intellectual growth and community engagement.

The State Library of Queensland is housed in an architecturally impressive building that combines the historic and the contemporary, offering a striking visual presence along Brisbane's South Bank. Its unique design is a testament to its mission: to bridge the past and future while serving the present.

One of the most remarkable aspects of SLQ is its vast and diverse collection. With millions of items, including books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and multimedia materials, it caters to a wide range of interests and research needs. Whether one is seeking historical archives, contemporary literature, or specialized information, SLQ has something to offer. This extensive collection is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and the general public, making it an essential part of the Queensland cultural landscape.

Beyond being a repository of knowledge, the State Library is a hub for learning and cultural exchange. It hosts a multitude of events, exhibitions, workshops, and lectures throughout the year. These programs cover a wide range of subjects, from indigenous cultures and Australian history to art and literature. The library fosters a culture of curiosity, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, discover, and engage with the world of knowledge.

Furthermore, the State Library actively supports the community through various initiatives. For instance, the Indigenous Knowledge Centre within SLQ is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Queensland's First Nations peoples. This is a testament to the library's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

The State Library's commitment to digital innovation is evident in its ever-expanding online resources. These resources are easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection, making the library's wealth of information readily available to people far beyond its physical location.

SLQ is more than a building filled with books and historical artifacts; it is a symbol of Queensland's commitment to education, culture, and the sharing of knowledge. It reflects the idea that a society's progress is intrinsically tied to its intellectual development. The library fosters a culture of lifelong learning and exploration, encouraging individuals to continually seek new ideas and perspectives.

In conclusion, the State Library of Queensland stands as a beacon of intellectual pursuit and cultural enrichment in the heart of Brisbane. Its dedication to inclusivity, innovation, and the dissemination of knowledge makes it an essential institution for the people of Queensland and a source of inspiration for libraries worldwide. Whether as a place of research, education, or simply a space for quiet reflection, SLQ is a vital resource that continues to shape the intellectual landscape of the region and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Australian culture.

The State Library of Queensland

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