The summer’s here and, with it, the holidays and thunderstorms. This can sometimes mean heaps of time spent indoors, so you may be looking for ways to keep the little ones — or yourself! — entertained without breaking the bank. That’s where public libraries come in: a haven of quiet, knowledge, imagination and, most importantly, AC.
Not only that, but the Summer Reading program is kicking off from Thursday January 2, until Saturday January 25. Free to participate in, with a chance to win a Dymocks voucher, and becoming smarter in the process? Where do we sign!
You can register and then pick up your challenge card at any of the City Council’s 33 libraries, from December 16. Sign up and read all about the challenges and prize here!
Whether you choose to participate or simply read for the pleasure of it, here are some of the best libraries in and around Brisbane.
1. Brisbane Square Library
Renowned for its wide variety of available titles and aircon reliability, the Brisbane Square Library in Brisbane City is one of the biggest ones on the list. It offers many extra services, like children’s lounges, and is wheelchair accessible.
📍266 George Street, Brisbane CBD
2. Chermside Library
This colourful library is fitted with comfy, modern furniture so you can while away the hours as you browse their catalogue, including Italian, Chinese, Tagalog and Punjabi collections. It also boasts a new media conversion station, where you can digitise media such as audio cassettes, film negatives, VHS tapes and more, all free of charge!
📍375 Hamilton Road, Chermside
3. Garden City Library
For tired parents or carers, the Garden City Library is nothing short of an oasis, thanks to its extensive collection of children’s books and interactive area. Plus, with its multi-language catalogue, there is something for everyone. It does have a reputation for being busy, so be prepared to hunt down a free spot!
📍Westfield Mt Gravatt, Corner Logan and Kessels Road, Upper Mount Gravatt
4. Carindale Library
Another good option for the little ones, the Carindale Library boasts children’s lounges with plenty of activities, such as storytime, interactive pedagogical games and even a crafts area! They also have plenty of digital media resources and a conversion station.
📍Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road, Carindale
5. Indooroopilly Library
Noted for its wide catalogue as well as extras like audiobooks, the Indooroopilly Library is an excellent spot for studying, reading, or participating in one of their many community events, such as book clubs, craft clubs and even an anime and manga club.
📍Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, 322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly
6. Sunnybank Hills Library
This small, cosy library makes the most of its space with a lively children’s area and plenty of books for the little ones, with tried and true free activities such as storytime, as well as more involved ones, like their basic coding skills workshop.
📍Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, 661 Compton Road, Sunnybank Hills
7. Grange Library
Grange Library has all the facilities and services you could want and expect from a library, with the added attraction of its beautiful outdoor space — perfect for the kids to let off some energy — and a small café so you can sip on a hot bevvy as you read!
📍79 Evelyn Street, Grange
8. Coopers Plains Library
This lovely library comes with a playground right outside, for when the young ones get tired of reading and is known for its friendly staff and multilingual catalogue and activities, including an English conversation group.
📍107 Orange Grove Road, Coopers Plains
9. Toowong Library
Aside from their funky chairs and beautiful views, the Toowong Library boasts many community-oriented activities, like crafts clubs, not just for kids but also many geared towards senior citizens. Its comprehensive, multilingual collection also make it a favourite among students.
📍Toowong Village Shopping Centre, 9 Sherwood Road, Toowong
10. Inala Library
With its lively décor and cosy nooks, the Inala Library is beloved by parents thanks to its many kids’ facilities and activities, such as a Lego area and movie screenings! As a way to further assist the community, the library even offers services like one-on-one tech help.
📍Inala Civic Centre, Corsair Avenue, Inala
11. Holland Park Library
The Hollank Park Library is truly a hub for the community thanks, in part, to its wonderful location, surrounded by parks. Additionally, though, the space goes above and beyond your average library, offering services like sports equipment rental and even a community garden!
📍81 Seville Road, Holland Park
12. Mt Coot-tha Library
Heavily specialised in literature dealing with botany, horticulture and landscape design, the Mt Coot-tha Library is well-worth a visit for budding botanists and experienced green thumbs alike thanks to its cosiness, friendliness of its staff, and proximity to nature, with the Botanic Gardens right on its doorstep.
📍Brisbane Botanic Gardens, 152 Mt Coot-tha Road, Toowong