State Reference Library

COVID-19 update: State Library is temporarily closed to public.

We have an advice page for people using the library and we update this page as changes happen.

 

The State Reference Library is located on levels 2 and 3. It offers a variety of spaces to suit all your needs, from music and films to quiet study and family history. You can also access computers, borrow books and do printing, scanning and photocopying here.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 8pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Features

Our Open Access collection is kept on levels 2 and 3 of the State Reference Library. The collection includes:

  • general reference books
  • prize-winning fiction
  • popular non-fiction
  • children's books
  • magazine, zines and DVDs.

You can browse titles to find resources on any topic you are interested in. Ask at the Information desk on level 3 if you need help finding something. Queensland residents can borrow from this collection with a library card.

The Music collection

Looking to play some music? Our music collection on level 3 has hundreds of scores from popular composers like Beethoven and Mozart. You can find everything from Bizet's Roma suite to Folk Songs of Britain and Ireland. The music collection includes:

  • classical
  • jazz
  • rock
  • pop and
  • folk music.

It caters for all stages of musical expertise. After you've selected a piece you might even like to book our Piano practice room on level 3!

Family History

Get help with your family history at the Information desk on level 3. In the Family History area you can use computers to access Ancestry Library Edition and Find My Past. Browse an array of historical Queensland and interstate newspapers on microfilm which you can view on our microfilm readers. You can also access:

  • electoral rolls
  • births, deaths and marriages information
  • shipping records.

This is the place to start for all your family history research!

Asia Pacific Design Library

The Asia Pacific Design Library (APDL) is a 21st century library which documents design innovation, experimentation and play in the Asia Pacific region. Located on level 2, the collection is organised into five categories:

  • Public Places
  • Better Living
  • Communication
  • Design Thinking 
  • Fashion.

Visit the APDL to browse this collection and indulge your passion for design! Click here for more information.

Studying spaces

Need to study? State Library has study desks on levels 2 and 3 where you can plug  in your laptop and get started. Many of our study spaces offer a view over the Brisbane River. We have air conditioning and heating so you can enjoy the comforts of State Library all year round. For more study spaces check out the John Oxley Library on level 4 or you can book a study room.

Explore more

Services at Information Desk

Find out about our services

Four State Library of Queensland staff standing but leaning against a table next to each other smiling

Discover how we can help you with your research

Visit level 4 to access our heritage collection

People using computers at the State Library of Queensland

Learn about using our computers
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