The State Library of Queensland sits on the river at South Bank, a few minutes from the Brisbane CBD, and it is one of the easiest free days out in the city. Entry and the exhibitions are free, there is a play space for little kids and a cafe, and the lawn outside is built for a picnic.
If you are searching for the State Library of Queensland because you want to know what is actually in there, this guide covers what to see, where to take the kids, what is open when, and how to park or get there by train and bus.
What to see and do at the State Library of Queensland
Exhibitions and galleries
The library runs a changing program of exhibitions, and they are all free. The level 4 galleries hold shows such as Extraordinary stories and the Australian Library of Art, and the Talbot Family Treasures Wall on level 4 shows a changing selection of items from the heritage collections. You can wander the free exhibition spaces and public artworks at your own pace. Check the exhibitions page for what is on, as the shows change.
kuril dhagun
kuril dhagun is the library’s First Nations space, described as a welcoming and respectful place for First Nations communities to meet, gather and celebrate. It also hosts showcases and exhibitions, and has the same opening hours as the Infozone.
The Corner for kids
The Corner, on level 1, is a playful learning space for children aged 0 to 8 and their families. It is open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm, entry is free and you can drop in, and children must be supervised by an adult at all times. The library also runs sensory-friendly sessions before regular opening hours, and these need booking. There is a parents room behind the Welcome Desk on level 1 with baby change, an accessible toilet, seating and a microwave.
The Edge and the Infozone
The Edge on level 1 is a creative hub with workshops, meetups and exhibitions, with a smaller coffee shop called The Brink inside it. The Infozone has free-access computers, printing, Wi-Fi and phone charging. Both are good for a rainy day or a school holiday stop.
Reading rooms and the John Oxley Library
The State Reference Library fills levels 2 and 3, and the John Oxley Library on level 4 holds Queensland heritage material such as diaries, manuscripts, artworks, maps, photographs and newspapers. They are quiet spaces, so they suit older kids and adults more than toddlers.
Opening hours
- Infozone and kuril dhagun: Monday to Thursday 9 am to 8 pm, Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
- slq Gallery: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
- State Reference Library (levels 2 and 3): Monday to Thursday 10 am to 8 pm, Friday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
- John Oxley Library (level 4) and Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery: daily 10 am to 5 pm
- The Edge: Monday to Friday 12 pm to 8 pm, weekends 12 pm to 5 pm
- The Corner: daily 9:30 am to 4 pm
- The Library Cafe: Monday to Thursday 7:30 am to 4 pm, Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm, weekends 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Library Shop: Monday to Thursday 9 am to 4 pm, Friday 9 am to 5 pm, weekends 9:30 am to 4 pm
On public holidays the library spaces are open 10 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, opens from noon on Anzac Day, and levels 2, 3 and 4 are closed on New Year’s Day. Always check the opening hours page before you go.
Planning your visit
- How long: An hour covers a gallery and a coffee; a family with little kids can fill half a day with The Corner, the cafe and the lawn.
- Food and drink: The Library Cafe serves sandwiches, hot food, snacks, coffee, tea, beer and wine. Food and drink are allowed on level 1, in the Infozone, on the outdoor areas of levels 2, 3 and 4 and on Maiwar Green. Bottled water is fine in the reading rooms and there are water fountains on levels 1 to 4.
- Bags: The cloakroom at the level 1 Welcome Desk holds small bags.
- Accessibility: All entrances and areas are wheelchair accessible, lifts run from the car park to every level and there are accessible toilets on every level. Certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome.
- Dogs: Only assistance dogs are listed as welcome inside.
Getting to the State Library of Queensland
By public transport
The Cultural Centre busway station on Melbourne Street is about 260 metres away and South Brisbane train station, on the corner of Melbourne and Grey Streets, is about 500 metres away. The South Bank CityCat and ferry terminal is about 800 metres away. Plan your trip with the TransLink journey planner.
By car and parking
The library is about 5 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic. Parking is under the library, entered from Stanley Place (from the Grey and Peel Streets intersection or Montague Road). The fee is a flat $20 per entry per day, paid on entry by Visa or MasterCard credit card, and the car park is open 7 am to midnight every day including public holidays, but closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Leaving after hours costs $40 and overnight vehicles pay an extra $20 a day. Taxis and rideshares can drop off on Stanley Place outside the library. Bike racks are outside reception and near the Stanley Place bus stops, so bring a lock. See the library’s getting here page for details.
Nearby
- Gallery of Modern Art – next door, with Maiwar Green between the two buildings.
- Queensland Museum – also part of the Queensland Cultural Centre.
- South Bank Parklands – the riverside parklands, pool and playgrounds along the river.
- Collective Markets South Bank – markets in the same precinct.
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens – across the river in the CBD, an easy follow-up for a picnic.
- More in History and landmarks and Brisbane.
You might also like
- Kurilpa Bridge (Brisbane)
- Treasury Building (Brisbane City)
- Brisbane City Hall
Quick answers
Is the State Library of Queensland free to enter?
Yes. Coming in and seeing the exhibitions is free. Some programs, tours and workshops need booking, so check the what’s on page.
What are the State Library of Queensland opening hours?
The Infozone is open 9 am to 8 pm Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm Friday and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends. The reading rooms and level 4 are open 10 am to 5 pm daily, with the reading rooms open until 8 pm Monday to Thursday.
Where do you park at the State Library of Queensland?
Under the library, entering from Stanley Place. It costs a flat $20 per entry per day by credit card, and the car park is open 7 am to midnight.
Is there a cafe at the State Library of Queensland?
Yes. The Library Cafe is open daily, and The Brink coffee shop is on level 1 in The Edge.
Is the State Library of Queensland good for kids?
Yes. The Corner is a play and learning space for children aged 0 to 8, there is a parents room with baby change, and the lawn outside is good for a picnic.
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