Doing research through old newspapers is impossible at this place now. I don't much care for the new machines, even worse, the ridiculous setup in the middle of the room they now have. There are people constantly going back and forward behind you, and the staff are tied up almost continuously, having to answer every question posed by any of the multitude of people passing by or through - which is everyone that comes on to that level. The machines are crammed together so there is little room to spread out and as a result, the tables are bumped by people all day, wrecking the scans. But worst of all, is the ridiculous new software installed for use in scanning - it is completely unusable and in no way fit for the purpose. With the old software, you could scan, tag and name inside 30 seconds, but now, you're looking at 2-3 minutes; and if you think that isn't a lot, then consider that in a decent session I would normally make 100+ scans - that is roughly 200-250 minutes (4 hours!) wasted. It is unnecessarily complicated and time-consuming and in no way at all does it improve the experience. It just drags it out pointlessly. Research is tedious enough without this garbage. I've spent hundreds of hours here over the years doing research, but no longer. I don't know which genius came up with this ridiculous setup and moved it from the cosy little corner that it used to be in, but it has made research near impossible. Anything more than a few pages, then forget about it. This library belongs to the taxpayer and I expect better than this - much better. This is just appalling

I'm kicking myself for not coming here months ago. This library is such an amazing hangout!! Especially if you're the kind who enjoy being surround by books!! *jumps around excitedly* Located in southbank. And just walking distance from the southbank train station. Or if you're in Brisbane CBD looking for a a place to visit. Or... Some respite from the summer heat, walk across the river to the library! Spanning 4 floors. With wide open spaces. You'll have plenty of room to find your space. Be it in the enclosed air conditioned area or little nooks with power sockets and *drum rolls*... FREE UNLIMITED WIFI ACCESS!! If you're here to study and do some serious reading, don't bother with the ground floor. Grab your gear and head to the 2nd and 3rd floors of the complex. Trust me. The ground floor is a public lounge. And you'll see people sleeping everywhere. No kidding. Blankets ready and their bags as pillows. Backpackers? Not too sure. Want something more personal? Head up to the 4th floor and you'll find small little rooms with small tables and power sockets. It's very airy there and you will find it comfortable. Refer to one of my pics posted with the red wall. There's a cafe here with a book shop on the ground floor. I must tell you, this is a library. So do not expect exceptional quality food. I had the pesto salad and lasagna. Terrible. Coffee isn't too bad. If you haven't visited the state library. It's time you do so.

Highly recommended for curious minds. This is more than just a repository of books; it's a cultural hub, a nexus of knowledge, and a testament to Queensland's rich literary and historical tapestry. With its modern architecture juxtaposed against the timeless allure of countless tomes, the library offers an invigorating ambiance for both casual readers and ardent researchers. The regular exhibitions and events ensure a dynamic experience, highlighting both local talents and global themes. The staff is helpful and well-versed, making the vast resources accessible to all. Overlooking the Brisbane River, its location further enhances the serene atmosphere, making it an intellectual oasis in the heart of the city.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fantastic library! Massive! State Library of Queensland is getting into my list of top favorite libraries in Australia. Its just very big, beautiful, great comfortable space for studies, lots of books of course, and entertainment. I was visiting Brisbane, and came here to do some work on my computer, but couldn't resist getting info the "Our stories told through tea towels" exhibition, and I'm glad I did! It was absolutely adorable, so simple, but so adorable, feel good exhibition that put a smile on everybody's faces. Loved it! Will definitely return here when I visit Brisbane again. I actually want to visit Brisbane again just to come back here :)

I love this place for all their facilities, books, activities and the people who work there are so nice. In particular, I have two kids who love to come to the Corner which is fantastic. You can just come and borrow some books or a computer. You can also just chill seating on the couch, read your favourite book or even just take a nap. There is also live music for kids on Saturdays and the staff changes the theme of the play area maybe every month in the Corner. It also has great views to the river and city center. It is perfect to come and study by yourself or with friends and work on projects.

We enjoyed the 'Palm Island' & 'Islands' exhibitions on at the library. It was our 1st time there. Two very eye opening & interesting exhibitions held in 2 different parts of the library. The library is spread out over multiple levels which makes it feel a bit absent of that nice library feel but i'm sure there is lots of good stuff to explore there. I wasn't a fan of the ground level where the Palm Island exhibit was though, as the adjacent internet/computer zone was a big dull, aggy and chock full of lonesome men.

This is an excellent venue, not really your traditional library, it's so much more, with something for everyone to enjoy at any time they go. Great range of reference items and magazines, wonderful exhibitions, a dedicated children's space and lots of areas for collaborative or individual work. Access by public transport is straightforward and there's adequate bike parking. Staff are very friendly and the shop is well stocked with thought provoking and beautiful items. Highly recommend.

One of the best! Been here and this is by far one of the very best facilities that BCC have constructed. The three floors are spacious and well laid out. There are sufficient tables and sitting areas for all types of users. The natural light provides amazing ambiance and a cosy place out of the elements outside. I love going here and they even put on tea and coffee late in the evenings on a Friday night. Awesome!!!

The State Library of Queensland offers a fabulous range of programs and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds and is an incredible resource for the people of Queensland. During holidays, the library offers numerous activities for children and is a great place to stay cool. Located in the cultural precinct of South Brisbane, its an easy stroll from the CBD and is well serviced by public transport.

This place is my home away from home. I love to study at the Jacaranda Lounge and listen to the piano players on Friday afternoons. Incredible range of books, activities and historical collections not to mention the incredible view of the Brisbane River and CBD. Whenever I have a question, a friendly staff member is always there to help me. I feel privileged to have access to these world-class facilities.

Amazing library with free decent speed wifi. Features a wide variety of good spots for a read or general studying. The library is really well organized and might not trigger you when you walk past by it. When you walk inside it though, you'll find yourself immersed in great architecture all over. The red box or glass cube is an absolute highlight, a perfect spot to relax and overlook the Brisbane River.

This is a multi-level library on a beautiful site overlooking the river, of the Turrbal people on Meeanjin land. We caught the Meet the Artists exhibition. A nice exploration of different artists and their works. There's a room full of giggling under the main library. Children full of jumps and games. Worth a visit. And the small bookstore is a nice place to catch a gift.

Very helpful staff and easy to find what I needed. Visited the Level 3 reading room on a Sunday to view the Colonial Secretary letters. Staff showed me where to go and how to use the equipment and let me borrow a USB stick to save the info on my laptop. Only trouble is parking is expensive. Consider public transport or do a bit of research into cheaper parking options.

Very nice location and lots of space. A small issue though - I reserved a space to work with my friends but we kept getting interrupted by staff. I ask them to stop but they kept on going on about how this is no place for band practice. If you're reading this, we're in need of a new band member - must be good with a triangle, we need to get that 'ding!' sound down pat.

There are very strong links between Newcastle and Brisbane. As an avid Family History Researcher visiting the library from Interstate,I was overjoyed to find the Newcastle Morning Herald among the extensive range of newspapers from Queensland and across Australia. This library has a better collection of newspapers on open access than the National Library in Canberra.

Brisbane's largest library and also the most popular, part of the Art Gallery, GOMA, Theatres and Museum complex, it was very busy when we were here, but the friendly and helpful staff in attendance made our search very easy. It's always a pleasure to go here, normally incorporated with lunch at one of the restaurants. Highly recommended.

Great range of flexible spaces for working in. Interesting collections and very helpful staff. The WiFi is free and unlimited and performs well in the morning and middle of the day but by mid to late afternoon when school kids fill the place up the speeds can drop fairly low. Cafe on site has a good menu if a little ovepriced.

It didn't impress me from the outside (a plain, sand coloured, squared complex) but inside it revealed all its beauty. Interesting modern architecture with lots of seats with a view on the river, or around the vegetation. It is a very bright, inspiring, innovative place. There are also a piano room and meeting rooms to book.

We go to a lot of Librarys.. this ones got different levels On ground floor there is a designated computers section which is shared with Childrens reading on one side and a play corner on the other. Not sure why they have planned it out like that but I really think they should review and change it lol just saying …

First time visiting here in 40 years. They have some really wonderful areas in this library. The rumpus display was amazing! They need to add cloaking lockers next to areas you can't take your back into. The teacup displays are awesome. Would be better if they were eye level and you could read all the stories.

came here a lot last year to study and I really think it goes under appreciated for how it offers such a range of services and accessible spaces. Staff were always friendly and ready to help, exhibitions were genuinely interesting and enjoyable, and it’s just such a comfortable environment for all to enjoy.

The cafe here has extremely limited options at outrageously exorbitant prices. Nothing is made to order fresh, you must make your selections from a cabinet. A typical example is a vegan salad roll which was $12 for a pretty standard burger bun with basic salad. Meat options are virtually non-existent.

State Library Of Queensland is a great hub for Activites for all ages. A really great resource library and you can get free wifi for computer s and mobile telephone s and tablets. The staff are super friendly and will help you with stuff your chasing. The building is very beautiful as well.

HOME a suburban obsession: what a fascinating collection of photos and other domestic vernacular artefacts from the suburbs of SE qld. Based on the hundreds of thousands photos of commercial photography by Frank & Eunice Corley, who conducted business in their pink Cadillac.

A nice place to study located in the heart of Brisbane. Easily accessible by public transport from north and south with plenty of food options available around the local area. Very close to the performing arts building. A wide range of services and amenities are available.

Best place to do study on level 2 and 3. It is always silent and has the best views of the river. Aircon, Wi-Fi and power sockets are available. It is always easy to find a seat, even on weekends. Also the opening hours on weekdays is amazing, even in school holidays. :)

State of art interiors design. Has great resouce materials. The only problem is there's not enough quiet space and some older lady staff are just too afraid of high schoolers when they disrespect other library users by deliberately making noise in the quiet zones.

One of the best libraries I have visited. It is very spacious, well-maintained and organized. It is a best place to inspire an individual to read books and the library has great facilities, environment and space for the students to do their reading and research.

I really like the lecture program offered by the library where you have chances to listen and talk to the thought leaders of the world. Attached is a few photos taken on British mathematician Sir Timothy Gower' speech on open access to scholarly publication.

Doing some quiet reading on Level 4 of the State Library of Queensland in Southbank. Great service: respectful, helpful and attentive librarians and library staff.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We chose State Library of Queensland's Queensland Terrace as the ceremony venue for our wedding day. The space itself is breathtaking - high, mirror ceiling; an al fresco vibe; very elegant; in-built sound system... it is a special event

A good experience. I was able to find the rare document that I needed to do my research. Staff were very helpful in aiding me find what I was looking for.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

Like this library, it has free wifi access. Clean and quiet. Great time spend here so big and the structure are so ingredible for some locals or tourist try to visit this place!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Excellent and comfortable place to study. While at times the library can become a social space for people , making it really loud - it also has some hours where it is nice and quiet. WiFi is fast and devices connect to it quickly.

The facilities are good and some staff are helpful, but many of the desk staff are unwelcoming and lack knowledge. Why do librarians feel that their role is to intimidate people?
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

What a lovely way to spend an evening. Gorgeous ambience and sublime sounds. It’s my second Candlelit event and they didn’t disappoint.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

It’s a nice library if you need some quite time or some power to charge the dying mobile phone. On a Thursday afternoon, there are not many people inside. Pretty easy to find a cozy spot. Would love to come back again.

A great resource for the people of Queensland. Plenty of powered spaces for hot-desking as well. Online resources are great.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great Resource .lots of nooks to study and use the supplied computers or bring your own laptop. Multiple levels so you may have to look for a quiet place. Can be busy on one level bit then quieter on another.

Visited 'the corner' with my four month old for baby play time. Lovely space, staff and facilities. Great parents room available. Also checked out the quirky Queensland tea towel exhibit while we were there.

I have no words. They closed the kids library and replaced it with a lousy tiny non-inspiring sterile sitting area. Why?! Why on earth is there no budget for a kids library? This is so incredibly wrong.

Great library perfect place to wait with a newspaper when you're waiting for a train. There were some rough bogan teen girls making a racket but it's Brisbane and there are rough bogans everywhere.

If you are looking for a quiet space to study, work or even just read, State Library is your best option
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

"The corner" in this library is excellent for kids and parents! With activities five days a week, you could spend a joyful morning with your kids in exploring world of reading and imagination.

I have signed up for the membership of this library online, but I haven't received their emails in ages. I need some more time to explore this library and see what they have to offer.

This place is wonderful, and just a reminder by 17 December you need a form for your vaccination for Covid in order to get in with in the library by the 17th so that’s Friday

While guys on the first floor are playing counter strike online i cant load my staff for assessment! Block useless website to speed up internet Sunday 6Aug 15:00-17:00 …

Great building with lots of stuff to see and do for the library, has a great shop too and lovely staff! Went to the Rumpus Exhibit and was great to see community involvement

fantastic modern library with great facilities and some awesome spaces to read or work. some of the spots with views over the river/city and the garden areas were amazing

I would like to encourage national and abroad citizens to come, visit, and enjoy this amazing place. It is one of my favorite places so far. And overall it is for free.

Beautiful architecture with free wifi! Lots of things to do around with a great working space with many charging ports and places for children. Would highly recomend!

Great that the library has interesting exhibitions from time to time. Visited the magnificent makers, inventors of Queensland exhibit on the 4th level - nice reads.

A great asset to Brisbane. Especially love the gallery room. At the moment there is display of concert posters from the 70's and 80's, which is really interesting.

One of my fav place, spending a night call wifey 12 years ago, the best spots in the night for free wifi and power charge, this place will always in our memory

A great space in Brisbane to study or just enjoy some quiet time by yourself. Firstly, the building itself is an architectural marvel and there is so much

The Edge is a modern annex to the State Library of Queensland. It has a good space for smaller conferences and other multi-purpose spaces. Good free WiFi.

My family and I attend this beautiful library to read and study as i am a model figure. Would 100% recommend to come here very nice vibes …

Beautiful, lovely, quiet, and very comfortable place for studies and researches! Without mentioning the staff, always friendly and helpful!

Great, free, and inclusive space. The one star is for the occasional staff that are chatty and louder than patrons in Level 4 quiet space.

the exhibition in level 4 is great
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Great a d Grand Rumpus exhibit was fantastic! What amazing artwork made from cardboard and paper. So very clever!

Too many teens talking and laughing at study area, they are anywhere and talking loudly all the time until they left

Wonderful experience. But chairs were uncomfortable.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Very spacious library with modern facilities. It's so close to the Queensland museum and art gallery.

Great place to study or read. It has private rooms that you can book and reliable internet access

There are good facilities including free wifi, outlets and also great view of Brisbane river.

Great place to spend rainy day. Good cafe. Spacious and comfortable. Always something to do.

Free WiFi. Fantastic view of the river on the upper floors and plenty of power points.

Great library. Love coming here. Super friendly staff. Cafe nearby with good coffee.

I loved it!!! I wish I lived in brissy to study here
Visited on
Weekend…
More

I love this place!! The good view of Brisbane river and comfortable environment

Really good I loved the lindsay collection and the old band posters …

Great coffee and amazing views. Very relaxed atmosphere.

Great school holiday activities for the little ones!

Great library with good views and a nice cafe.

plz clean pee off ground but i love free wifi

Good place for relaxing and doing works

The best library I've ever been to.

Wonderful location. Spectacular

Nice big library.