Are you looking for a fun and educational outing for your family in the Moreton Bay region? Look no further than Moreton Bay Region Libraries! With a variety of family-friendly activities, resources, and events, the libraries in Moreton Bay are the perfect place to spend some quality time with your kids.

First and foremost, the libraries offer an extensive collection of children’s books that cater to readers of all ages and interests. Whether your child is a budding artist, an animal lover, or a science enthusiast, there is sure to be a book that captures their imagination.

The libraries also offer a diverse range of storytelling sessions, where kids can listen to a trained storyteller bring their favourite tales to life. These sessions are held at various times throughout the week, so there’s always a chance to drop by and join in on the fun.

But the libraries don’t just have books on offer – they also have an impressive toy collection you can borrow – for free! The toy collection includes everything from puzzles and board games to construction sets and more, so there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids busy during the school holidays, the Moreton Bay Region Libraries have you covered. The libraries offer a range of school holiday programs and activities that cater to kids of all ages. From craft workshops to live performances and tech fun there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. These free programs are a great way to keep your kids entertained and engaged during the holidays, and they’re a great opportunity to meet other families in the community. 

Find your nearest local Moreton Bay Regional Council Library and the services they offer here

Albany Creek Library

Ferguson Street, ALBANY CREEK, QLD 4035

Arana Hills Library

Narellan Park, ARANA HILLS, QLD

Bribie Island Library

Cnr First Avenue & Welsby Pde, BONGAREE, QLD 4507

Burpengary Library

Station Rd, BURPENGARY, QLD 4505

Caboolture Library 

4 Hasking Street, Caboolture

Deception Bay Library

Cnr Captain Cook Pde & Bayview Tce, DECEPTION BAY, QLD 4508

North Lakes

10 The Corso, NORTH LAKES, QLD 4509

Redcliffe Library

470-476 Oxley Avenue, REDCLIFFE, QLD 4020

Strathpine Library

Corner Gympie and South Pine Roads, STRATHPINE, QLD 4500

Woodford Library

Cnr Archer & Elizabeth Sts, WOODFORD, QLD 4514

Brisbane City Council Libraries

Annerley Library

450 Ipswich Road

Ashgrove Library

87 Amarina Avenue 

Banyo Library

284 St Vincents Road

Bracken Ridge Library

Corner Bracken and Barrett Streets

Brisbane Square Library & Customer Centre

266 George Street

Bulimba Library

Corner Riding Road and Oxford Street 

Carina Library

Corner Mayfield Road and Nyrang Street

Carindale Library

Carindale Regional Shopping Centre Creek Road 

Chermside Library

375 Hamilton Road 

Coopers Plains Library

107 Orange Grove Road

Corinda Library

641 Oxley Road 

Everton Park Library

561 South Pine Road

Fairfield Library

Fairfield Gardens Shopping Centre, Fairfield Road 

Garden City Library

Corner Logan and Kessels Road Upper Mt Gravatt 

Grange Library

79 Evelyn Street

Hamilton Library

Corner Racecourse Road and Rossiter Parade 

Holland Park Library

81 Seville Road

Inala Library

Corsair Avenue

Indooroopilly Library

318 Moggill Road 

Mitchelton Library

37 Heliopolis Parade | Look at our review of Mitchelton Library and its neighbouring park here.

Mt Coot-tha Library

Administration Building, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha Road, Toowong 

Mt Gravatt Library

8 Creek Road

Mt Ommaney Library

123 Dandenong Road 

New Farm Library

135 Sydney Street

Nundah Library

1 Bage Street 

Sandgate Library

Seymour Street

Stones Corner Library

280 Logan Road 

Sunnybank Hills Library

Corner Compton and Calam Roads 

Toowong Library

9 Sherwood Road

West End Library

178 Boundary Street

Wynnum Library

Bay Terrace 

Zillmere Library

Corner Jennings Street and Zillmere Road

Before you go, check for opening hours here

Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries

Albany Creek Library

Ferguson Street

Arana Hills Library

Narellan Park

Beachmere Community Library

Shop 5, Beachmere Plaza, 874-876 Beachmere Road

Bribie Island Library

Cnr First Avenue & Welsby Pde, Bongaree

Burpengary Library

Station Road

Caboolture Library 

4 Hasking Street

Deception Bay Library

Cnr Captain Cook Parade & Bayview Terrace

Donnybrook Community Library

Level 1, 33 King Street, Caboolture

Kallangur Library

1480 Anzac Avenue

Library Express Caboolture Central Library

Ground Floor, 33 King Street

Mobile Library

Cnr Gympie and South Pine Roads, Strathpine

Mount Mee Community Library

Level 4 33 King Street, Caboolture

Narangba Library

Shop 1 A, Narangba Village Shopping Centre, Main Street

Pathways Dispenser

1 The Corso, North Lakes

Pathways Library

1 The Corso, North Lakes

Redcliffe Library

470-476 Oxley Avenue

Strathpine Library

Corner Gympie and South Pine Roads

Toorbul Community

Level 1 33 King Street

Woodford Library

Cnr Archer & Elizabeth Streeta

Before you go, check for opening hours here

Redland City Council Libraries

Cleveland Library

Bloomfield Street, (corner of Middle Street)

Capalaba Library

14 Noeleen Street

Victoria Point Library

7-15 Bunker Road

Mobile Library

The Mobile Library tours around the Redlands, making scheduled visits to various neighbourhoods

Dunwich Library

Ballow Road

Point Lookout Library

East Coast Road

Russell Island Library

22 High Street

Logan City Council Libraries

Beenleigh Library

Crete Street

Greenbank Library

145 – 167 Teviot Road

Jimboomba Library

18 – 22 Honora Street

Logan Central Library

26 Wilbur Street

Logan Hyperdome Library

66 – 70 Mandew Street

Logan North Library

Cnr Sports Drive and Springwood Road

Logan Village Library

Wharf Street

Logan West Library

69 Grand Plaza Drive

Marsden Library

35 Chambers Flat Road

Ipswich City Council Libraries

Ipswich Central Library

Nicholas Street Precinct

Childrens Library

1 Nicholas Street Building, Nicholas Street Precinct

Redbank Plaza Library

284 St Vincents Road

Redbank Plains Library

Moreton Avenue

Rosewood Library

15 Railway Street

Springfield Central Library

Orion Springfield Central, Cnr Main Street and Sirius Drive

Karalee Library Pod

Karalee Shopping Village, 35 / 51 Junction Road, Chuwar

What can people expect to find at their council library?

Most people don’t realise just how many different activities and learning opportunities local council libraries offer their visitors.  No longer simply spaces for borrowing books, council libraries now offer a range of weekly workshops and sessions that cater for all ages – from babies, toddlers and teens all the way up to the oldest of residents.

If you are a new mum, there is no better venue providing free daily indoor fun than your local library.  A great place to meet other parents, library sessions catering for young families include nursery rhyme sing and dance alongs as well as many craft and play workshops.

For the older children there are STEM building workshops, movie nights, bookclubs, homework help and more.

For a comprehensive list of what your local council libraries offer, check out our list of Free Library Activities for Kids.

Play is how children learn and making it fun is nature’s way of ensuring children get lots and lots of practice. Even tiny babies play, practising moving their hands or sucking their toes which helps them learn to control their bodies. The games children play are directly linked to the needs of the growing body and mind. Children’s play has been closely studied by child psychologists who have catalogued the development pattern of skills and abilities from birth.

​If play is a child’s work, they must also have the tools for their trade. Toys are tools that help a child to enjoy play.

Toy Libraries in Brisbane 

Brisbane’s toy libraries are a delightful treasure trove for families, offering various toys, games, and educational materials to suit children of all ages and developmental stages. They offer a budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative to constantly buying new toys, encouraging families to share resources, minimise waste, and foster community. By engaging with a toy library, you can support your children’s play and learning experiences while enjoying the benefits of a sustainable, cost-effective solution.

Find a toy library near me

Carindale Toy Library

Carindale PCYC 27 Narracott Street, Carindale. Borrowing days per month, varies. 10am to 12pm. Contact the toy library for recent dates and times. You can visit their website and get an idea of their toys for click and collect. Contact 0481567358.

Play Matters Toy Library & Therapy Centre

112 Vendale Ave, Moorooka, Queensland, 4105  View Website. Run by volunteers, the Saturdays they are open vary according to availability. 9:00am – 2:00pm. Play Matters Toy Library & Therapy Centre have an annual membership subscription model. 

Brisbane South Toy Library

Moreton Bay Regional Council Toy Library

The library toy collection offers a range of quality, sustainable toys that support brain, muscle and language development in children aged 3 months to 6 years. The collection offers plenty of opportunity for imagination, discovery, enquiry and hours of fun and engagement. This service seems to apply to every Moreton Bay Regional Council library.

Sunshine Coast Toy Libraries

Similar to The Moreton Bay Region, Sunshine Coast Libraries have their own toy library within their usual library network. Borrowing is included as part of your library membership. 

Toy libraries in Brisbane for kids with additional needs

CPL’s Resource and Toy Library Yeronga

CPL’s Resource and Toy Library, located at Yeronga, was previously known as the Inclusion Works! CPL’s Resource and Toy Library is a budget-friendly, adaptable, and supportive subscription service for families, therapists, and educators. It offers access to an extensive collection of resources, guidance, and advice on creating inclusive environments for all children aged 0 to 8 years, focusing on their developmental stages. The Resource and Toy Library is open by appointment only.

The online library is accessible to all but to borrow and reserve items you will need your subscriber username and password. This online library is accessible at all times. Find out more here https://www.cpl.org.au/resources/library

​What is a Toy Library?

There are over 280 toy libraries across Australia (but as you read, very few in Brisbane!) 

At a toy library, you can borrow from a range of quality, well-made toys designed to support your child’s skill development and imagination. Toy libraries aim to support families and encourage togetherness with quality time spent playing with children.​

Toy libraries vary from library to library. They may be located in the local scout hall or within a local library, have 20 member families or 1200; employ a staff member or rely solely on their members volunteering.​

What type of toys may I find at the toy library?

Each Toy Library offers a range of curated toys to suit its members. There will be toys suitable for young babies to teenagers and some even hold toys, puzzles and games suitable for adults. You will find a range of toys that promote children’s development and imagination. Expect toys, including puzzles, board games, character sets, transport toys, ride ons, small cubby houses, play kitchens, climbing frames, and so much more.

Toy libraries all have these things in common

• There are toys and educational items you can borrow
• Toy Libraries are inexpensive (sometimes an annual subscription is charged) and sometimes there isn’t. 
• Toy Libraries mostly cater to younger children, though some have items suitable for older children.
• They have a range of items covering all stages of growth and development.
• They offer an additional opportunity to meet other caregivers, share concerns, interact with others, and make new friends.
• Their catalogues support parents and carers in choosing the toys and learning about the ages and stages of child development.
• They are usually open on set days and hours.
• Like a library, there are set borrowing periods, and toys need to be returned before that date. 
• You can’t loan your borrowed toys out to friends; they must always remain with you. 
• Similar to a book library, you are responsible for any damages and/or replacement and will need to return the toys to the toy library in the same condition you received them in (allowing for reasonable wear and tear). 
• The vast majority of Brisbane toy libraries have varying opening times, mainly due to how many volunteers they have available. 

The benefits of joining a toy library

1. You can choose from hundreds of quality toys that expose your child to a greater range of play experiences that contribute to your child’s development.
2. In addition to supporting your child’s development, Toy Libraries save you money by borrowing toys each week rather than buying them.
3. This also reduces the clutter around your house as many toy libraries stock larger items such as ride ons, scooters, play kitchens, basketball hoops and slides.
4. Many toy libraries also offer a range of toys for party hire at great prices.
5. By borrowing rather than buying, you also reduce how much toy waste is sent to landfill.
6. You can also meet other local parents and contribute to your local community by volunteering.

Who can join a Toy Library?

Toy libraries welcome everyone to become members of a fun and growing community. We encourage all families to check out the not-for-profit organisation Toy Libraries Australia website and click Find a Toy Library to find their local toy library.

Starting a Toy Library

It might seem like an overwhelming idea but perhaps you live in a regional community and want to find a way to make toys more accessible in your area. If you do, toylibraries.org has a whole document on how to go about it. This includes the legal structure, policies, inventories and even how to access funding for the library. Please read more about how to start a toy library near you. 

Parent testimonials

As a single mum with 4 kids, toy libraries have helped to make it easier to give my kids toys they enjoy without the extra expense. It doesn’t matter when they grow out of the toys either. Martha M Capalaba

We encourage all families to check out the information on Toy Libraries Australia website and click Find a Toy Library to find their local toy library.

With dedicated kids programs scheduled each week, council libraries offer a range of educational and age-appropriate activities designed to get little ones learning and interacting with others.  For a full overview of the free library activities your local council offers, check out our detailed list below.

We would love to hear your experiences of these free library activities, so please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

Please note: All information is correct at the time of writing. We recommend you always check with the library first to confirm before visiting. 

Brisbane City Council – Free Library Activities

First Five – Babies, Books and Rhymes

This is a wonderful first experience for the youngest library visitors and one of our favourite free library activities.  Meet other parents and babies for a fun session of singing, clapping and dancing. Learn songs and action rhymes to nurture your baby’s pre-literacy, communication, language and social skills.

Age range: 0+

First Five Forever – Toddler Time

Ideal for toddlers, this session encourages children to learn action rhymes and songs which will help your child’s pre-literacy, communication, language and social skills. 

Age range: 1 – 3 years.

Create It

Drop in to spark your child’s imagination through learning by making. Participate in hands-on activities that explore science, technology, reading and art. 

Age range: 5-12 years

YA Book Chat

The YA book club is designed with high school students in mind.  Teens are encouraged to come along, share the books they love and hear recommendations from others as well. 

Age range: 12 – 17 years

Wrestling Fun with Edison Robot

Edison robot is ready to rumble! Use blocks to build a mighty, wrestling robot. Then, program it to compete against opponents in a fun, interactive tournament. No prior programming experience required. 

Age range: 6- 10 years

Family Code Club with Sphero

Are you interested in learning about basic robotics and coding as a family, using Sphero robots? This fun and interactive session will show you how to program robots to navigate an obstacle course. 

Age range: 5 – 12 years

Where is Dewey?

An interactive orientation to get to know your local library and librarians. There will be puzzles to solve using the library’s resources. You will be placed in a team and have 15 minutes to find Dewey! 

Age range: 12 – 17 years

Find out when these free library activities are on at Brisbane City Council libraries

Redland City Council – Free Library Activities

First Five Forever – Baby Time

This is a wonderful first experience for the youngest library visitors.  Meet other parents and babies for a fun session of singing, clapping and dancing. Learn songs and action rhymes to nurture your baby’s pre-literacy, communication, language and social skills.

Age range: 0+

First Five Forever – Toddler Time

Ideal for toddlers, this session encourages children to learn action rhymes and songs which will help your child’s pre-literacy, communication, language and social skills. 

Age range: 1 – 3 years.

First Five Forever – Story Time

Share stories with your little one in this engaging and interactive session. Have fun with movement, action rhymes, songs and stories, and develop a life-long love of reading together.

Ideal for toddlers, this session encourages children to learn action rhymes and songs which will help your child’s pre-literacy, communication, language and social skills. 

Age range: All ages

STEAM Workshops

Different design, coding, creating and building workshops for budding STEAM enthusiasts.  Different activities offered each time. Although this is a free event, bookings are required. Note: STEAM Zone kits are available throughout the week on request, just ask!

Age range: 6 – 12 years.

Saturday Story Time

Saturday mornings a best spent with a book and a loved one.  Come and read a story with the library team and enjoy a fun-filled morning of storytelling and craft. 

Age range: 0 – 8 years.

Pop Up Library

Join the crew for a relaxing outdoor session Jof storytelling, craft and other fun activities. Enjoy a beautiful nature trail walk following the Pop up Library. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle. Bookings are essential.

Age range: 0 – 5 years.

Family Movie Screenings

You can enjoy a range of family favourites when you head along to the regular Saturday afternoon movie screenings! With welcoming spaces, and an array of classic kids’ clicks, it’s the perfect family outing. BYO snacks.

Age range: All ages

Messy Play

Messy Play is exactly as it sounds.  It is a hands-on (and messy!), sensory learning experience that helps young ones develop their fine and gross motor skills, builds confidence and lets them explore the world in a fun and child-led way. Bring along some old clothes and a towel and be prepared to get messy! This is a free event but bookings are still required. 

Age range: 2 – 5 years.

Find out when these free library activities are on at Redland City Council libraries

Moreton Bay Region Council – Free Library Activities

Baby Rhyme Time

Storytime

Storytime is a great way to develop a love of reading and introduce your child to books. Experience the magic of stories, action rhymes and songs with your child at the library. 

Age range: 2 – 5 years.

Pyjama Storytime

In the evenings visit selected libraries for fun-filled Pyjama Storytime sessions. Wear your pyjamas and bring teddies and blankets to snuggle in for fairytales, stories and songs. 

Age range: 0 – 8 years.

Lego Engineers Club

Develop design thinking and engineering skills as you build and create with LEGO® bricks. Meet other brick fans and complete challenges, group builds, and more! Registration is required. Registration for next month’s club opens one week before the meeting. This is a club that meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Excluding public holidays. 

Age range: 4 – 12 years.

STEAM Station

Get curious! Explore a world of science, tech, engineering, art and maths through hands-on discovery after school. This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Excluding public holidays.  

Age range: 5- 11 years.

Quiet Hour

Moreton Bay Region Libraries offer a low sensory library setting for computer use, browsing and borrowing. For a quiet hour, lighting is reduced where possible, background music is turned off, phones and PCs are turned down, PA announcements are restricted to emergencies and closing announcements only and conversations are kept low. 

Age range: All ages

Park Tales

An outdoor storytime experience offered by certain libraries. The themed story times have a mix of stories, rhymes, songs, felt stories, puppets and early learning resources. 

* Due to the nature of this event being outdoors, the location and times are subject to change. Please check the website 24 hours prior to the event for any updates or cancellations. 

Signed Storytime

Experience a feast of verbal and visual language in an interactive session where storytellers and AUSLAN interpreters share the magic of picture book stories, action rhymes and songs. 

Age range: 2 – 8 years.

Story Dogs

When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing! With their calm and loving nature dogs provide a magical environment that helps children relax, improve their literacy skills, and confidence. Book your child for a 20-minute individual session on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.  Tickets are released 2 weeks before the next session. 

Loud

The library stays open for you to play computer games, hang out with friends and listen to music. LOUD meets on the 4th Friday of the month from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Registration is required. Tickets are released a month before the next session. 

Age range: 6 – 12 years.

Find out when these free library activities are on at Moreton Bay Regional Council libraries

Logan City Council – Free Library Activities

Play and Learn

An early literacy program that promotes the key concepts of First 5 Forever, TALK, SING, READ, PLAY, DANCE and MOVE. Discover ideas that you can take home to help your child’s brain and language development.

Age range: 2+ years.

Help Your Child to Read, Write and Spell Confidently

Discover fun tips to help your child read, write, spell, and boost their confidence. Learn simple and low-cost activities to optimise your child’s learning. Presented by Melissa Savonoff, a paediatric occupational therapist and creator of Ricardo Reading Mouse® educational resources. Bookings are suggested. 

Age range: 5 – 10 years.

National Stimulus Storytime

The Corner is a permanent space at the State Library Queensland for kids 0-8 years (and their parents), where they can use their hands, minds and bodies to explore and engage in creative play, reading, digital exhibitions and online games with a child centred approach.

Free activities for kids at the State Library Queensland

Please note that at the time of writing bookings are not required for these activities. 

Play Time in The Corner Daily 11am to 12.45pm Mon to Sun. Open-ended play sessions for children of all ages with specially selected resources for you, your family, and friends to explore.

Rhyme Time in The Corner Every Tues, Thurs and Sat 10-10.45am. From babes in arms to children ready to dance, this First 5 Forever session is a special time for you and your little one to share rhymes, songs and stories.

Story Time in The Corner Every Sun and Wed 10-10.45am. For children aged 0-5. A fun selection of stories for everyone, shared through specially selected picture books and oral storytelling.

Baby Play in The Corner Every Mon and Fri 10-10.45am. For babies 0-12 months (not yet walking) and their parents/carers. Connect with your little one through baby-paced play, rhyme and shared stories.

Accessibility for Brisbane Kids

The Corner is on the entry level of the library (level one) in the right hand front corner of the building. A ramp or stairs provide access with all activities at just the right height for kids. Pram parking is adjacent to the area, with parents and carers invited to take part in the activities.

Transport is not an issue at the State Library

The Corner at State Library Queensland is easy to get to – and easy to find at Stanley Place, South Brisbane, 4101. Those using public transport can catch a bus to Cultural Centre Busway or GOMA bus stop, or a ferry and alight at the South Bank CityCat stop. Trainspotters can use the South Brisbane train station. Travelling by car? Parking is available at the Cultural Centre car parks, South Bank Parklands or Brisbane Exhibition Centre, and fees apply. You could even finish up the day with a dip in Southbank Lagoon

The State Library Website

The Corner also has its own website for kids The Corner (just scroll to the bottom of the page).  Here kids can access games and activities, read virtual books and see the exhibitions currently on display in The Corner.

The Corner in located with the State Library of Queensland, Stanley Place, South Brisbane.

Nearby attractions/facilities:

The Library Café

Gallery of Modern Art

Queensland Museum and Sciencentre

Queensland Art Gallery

Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Brisbane City Council Libraries

Join up here

Search the catalogue here

• Council’s library members have access to more than 150,000 online resources, including magazines and newspaper titles in more than 60 languages
• Read eBooks: Access eBooks on your smart phone, tablet or desktop computer, no
  matter what device you’ve got.
• There are 41,673 audiobooks to choose from on Council’s library catalogue.
• There are over 30,000 movies to select from.
• 12 million songs (MP3) and thousands of music videos (MP4).
• Newspapers and journals for students to access when doing their school assignments
• You can even learn a language! 

Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries

Join up here

Search the catalogue here

• 6,000 online video tutorials from industry experts via Lynda.com
• There is an eLibrary for Kids to find eBooks, audiobooks, online coding resources, movies, music and more!
• Download and read popular e-magazines
• Use their online reader program to access thousands of ebooks 
• Access and download thousands of free audiobooks using an android of apple apps

Redland City Council Libraries

Join up here

Search the catalogue here

• Thousands of ebooks and audiobooks
• Read the latest issues of thousands of magazines online
• Access car manuals and motorcycle manuals
• Children can watch celebrated stories read aloud by our favourite storytellers
• Download and stream music 
• A range of children-specific ebooks from around the world
• Watch a range of DVD titles, Ted talks and listen to popular music
• Opportunity to learn a new language

Logan City Libraries

Join up here

Search the catalogue here

• Offering a home learning hub to support families who have kids learning from home
• An extensive collection of ebooks and audiobooks that can be read across all devices
• Maths and literacy apps
• Access to the Britannica Library featuring over 150,000 articles
• Access to Lynda.com
• National Geographic Virtual Library
• Newspapers, magazines, music and movies
• Virtual book club

Ipswich City Council Libraries

Join here

Search the catalogue here

• Download e-books, audio-books, magazines and music
• Access to international newspapers
• Stream movies and documentaries
• Learn about automobile repair, craft and health, literature, science and the environment
• Get real-time help with homework and study
• Get help with your resume and job search skills
• Learn a new language
• Play games and hear stories to improve early literacy and numeracy
• National Geographic Virtual Library and National Geographic Kids
• Access to Lynda.com

Other virtual services

• For a limited time, Audible is offering free access to kids audiobooks. 
• NASA at Home, a collection of science lessons, activities, and virtual tours for kids curated by NASA.
• Access a range of fun activities and projects for free via the Crayola lesson plans. 
• We have already collated a ton of local Brisbane virtual classes here.

Education by television

See the following image for the program times, you can catch up on any lesson via the Department of Educations YouTube Channel

Learning@homeTV on Channel 7

Broadcast on 7TWO
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am-10.30am
Episodes divided into Kindy-Year 2, Year 3-4 & Year 5-6
Focus on Maths, Science, English, Arts & PE

Reading@homeTV on Channel 9

First episode on May 5
Broadcast on 9Go!, 9Imparja & 9Now
Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am-9am
Targeted at students in Kindy – Year 3
Two stories narrated each episode
Hosted by Michael Balk

Coding@homeTV on Channel 10

First episode on May 6
Broadcast on 10 Peach
Wednesday and Friday from 11.30am-12pm
Targeted at students in Years 7-9
Hosted by Lia Walsh, Isla Nakano & ‘Ranger Stacey’ Thomson

Interactive spaces

Garden City Library children’s area features an interactive projection onto the floor with a range of fun and engaging displays like lava, frogs, fish in a stream and space scenes. There is also a digital tabletop offering games and activities from digital air hockey, drawing activities, space invaders style games and a range of others.

Books for kids and more

The range of books and resources available to borrow is extensive and varied. You will discover a large number of board books for the youngest Brisbane Kids and an impressive collection of picture books ranging from classics to the latest releases. There are also books aimed at those beginning readers including levelled books and easy chapter books as well as a wide range of non-fiction and fiction books to suit all interests and abilities. Garden City Library also provide an assortment of children’s magazines and DVDs and CDs – all available to borrow.

Secret Garden City

Younger Brisbane Kids will love the different sized entryways to the Secret Garden City with small, medium and large openings in the wall. This simple feature adds a beautiful whimsy to the space, along with reading nooks, armchairs, stools and other spots to sit and enjoy the library.

Garden City Library at a glance

• There is an after-hours chute for returns
• Internet and WIFI
• The library offers photocopying and scanning services (a fee may be involved)
• Wheelchair accessible
• You can borrow books, ebooks, DVD’s and CD’s
• Open 7 days a week but closed on public holidays

Location: Garden City Library is conveniently located on Level 4 of Garden City shopping centre near the cinemas and the outdoor dining precinct. Garden City Shopping Centre is located on the corner of Logan and Kessels Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt. You can find out more about their opening hours on their website.

Frequently asked questions about Brisbane libraries

Does it cost money to get a library card? Library membership is free across South East Queensland. For Garden City specifically, library membership is free to anyone who lives, works or studies in Brisbane as well as Brisbane City Council rate-payers. 

You simply need to show proof of your current residence and a photo id with a signature. 

Can my child get a library card? Yes, they sure can. If they are under 18, the parent or guardian will need to show their ID and for kids under 12, there are special children’s cards. 

A splash of colour and books.. Be proud of our Brisbane City Library

Unlike its scholarly cousin the State Library of Queensland across the river, the Brisbane Square Library’s unique design and vibrant blue and yellow cubed exterior stands out against the muted tones of our city skyline and is a great representation of its contemporary and vibrant youth.

Brisbane Square Library is over three levels!

Step inside the entrance to the library and you will immediately be impressed by its architectural wonders.  Spread comfortably over three large levels, the light-filled interior is tastefully designed and a welcome space to wile a few hours away by yourself or with your family.

On arrival we breezed through the ground level fairly quickly.  Although I stared longingly at the coffee shop and magazine / newspaper lounge my three children were eager to go up to the higher levels to see what was on offer.  And indeed, as soon as we ascended up to the second and third levels the library instantly appeared to expand and come to life before us.

More than just a building with books

Although home to an impressive collection of over 110,000 items there is also so much more on offer at the Brisbane Square Library than what you would usually expect to find.  Along with the rows and rows of books and reference material, the banks of computers for use and the impressively fast (and free) WIFI you will also find facilities to watch live news and sports broadcasts, listen to CDs and watch DVDs.  These areas are all refreshingly spacious, comfortable, clean and inviting what with low cushions, stools and seating.

Kids will love the gaming area and if they are keen to have a go on an x-box then they can book in some time to play (the headphones are a welcome accessory to keep the hushed and peaceful library tones in check).

Tranquil, self-contained study rooms are available for group meetings and can be booked in two hour blocks for anyone needing them and an abundance of quiet study desks that overlook the river and Southbank below rim the library walls.

Inspired Kids Corner in the heart of the city

Any good library, whilst providing a peaceful atmosphere, understands that our little people need to be enticed within its confines and encouraged to develop a love for all it does to enhance their minds and imagination.  Brisbane Square Library doesn’t disappoint.  Located on the second floor, the inspired space has been themed around the award-winning book ‘Home’, (which was actually written for the library), and is based on the real story of two peregrine falcons who decide to make the city their home.

The room is a wide, bright space with books, an interactive floor section, giant lego blocks, activity tables, an arcade game and a section of trees that circle and canopy low reading tables.

There are the usual regular weekly activities like toddler time, nursery rhymes and storytelling but also a fantastic program of craft and activities set up during the school holidays.  This is when we went and my girls had a great time colouring, cutting out and crafting head pieces which was then followed by an animated group storytelling session.

Getting There And Away

Whilst this library is obviously popular for local businesses, employees and students it is also incredibly easy for the rest of Brisbane to visit as well.  We took the bus in (to save money and as added entertainment for the kids) but trains and the city cat are also obvious alternatives as well.  Parked right outside the entrance is a stream of council cycles available to hire as well so if you are a family that loves to ride then this may definitely be an activity to add to your day out.

The Verdict

Books are a big love of my family and we have enjoyed the offerings of many of the libraries within our beautiful city over the years though Brisbane City Square Library takes it to a whole new level.  Be it the fun and delightful kids corner or the many, many beautiful pods, spaces and facilities on offer this is a well though-out library that really does cater for all that may seek refuge within its literally-filled walls.

Brisbane Square Library is fresh and exciting in both its surrounds and facilities but its location encourages a full day of adventure and fun for kids what with the bus, train or city cat ride and a quick visit to Southbank only a bridge walk away.

Mitchelton Library Park — The Fun

If you’re visiting this spot in the warmer months, it’s a good idea to play outdoors first, before it becomes too hot. The playground is not huge, but has enough to keep children entertained with a swing set, fort with slide, and climbing net. For older children, there is a basketball half-court and large, open, grassed area to kick a ball around.

As the day heats up, you may like to retreat to the library’s covered deck for a refreshment (bring your own or purchase from the coffee cart). This is also where the toilets are located.

Inside the air-conditioned library, there is a dedicated children’s area with stacks of books and comfy seats to snuggle up and share a story. There are other interactive games in this space, as well as regular story times on Wednesday and Friday mornings. In the school holidays, the library hosts workshops for kids of all ages.

Imagination Factor

Why not read a book together in the library, and then let your children act it out in the playground? Books are perfect for stimulating the imagination, which is why libraries and parks work so well together!

Special Needs

Mitchelton Library is accessible for wheelchairs and prams via a concrete path from the carpark to a ramped entry. The sitting areas in the park can also be accessed by a concrete path. The park is also quite flat, making it easier on those with mobility challenges. Toilets are located on the deck of the library building, and are fully wheelchair accessible.

Mitchelton Library Park — The Facts

• Unfenced playground
• Chip bark base
• Unshaded
• Toilets on library deck
• Fort with slide
• Spinning wheel
• Swing set
• Climbing frame
• Basketball half-court
• Large open grassed area
• Electric BBQs
• Shelters with picnic tables
• Water bubbler
• On- and off-street car parking
• Mitchelton Library with indoor play area for kids and story time sessions
• Coffee Cart serving drinks and snacks on library deck
• Free council wi-fi

Another great Brisbane Playground nearby is Lockrose Street Park in Mitchelton.

Mitchelton Library Park is located at 37 Heliopolis Parade, Mitchelton.

Albany Creek Library Park – The Fun

This may not be the biggest or fanciest playground in Brisbane, but it does have a number of positives for families. Firstly, there are two playgrounds – a fenced playground with equipment that is suitable for younger children in the front, and behind it, more playground equipment for older children in an unfenced area. There is also an open green space for kids that want to run around or kick a ball.

Secondly, the park adjoins the Albany Creek Library, which has an excellent children’s section with plenty of books, audio-books and toys available to borrow. The library also has a comprehensive program of events for kids of all ages. For the babies and preschoolers, there are regular story-telling, rhyme time and playtime activities. For older children there’s book clubs, study support and online gaming after school each day. There’s also a session dedicated for teenagers on Friday afternoons called Hype. For more information on library activities, visit the Moreton Bay Regional Council website.

Imagination Factor

If you begin with a visit to the library, there is plenty of inspiration to be found in their many children’s books. If you borrow some, it’s lovely to read them under the trees in the park outside, and your kids may like to role play and base their games on the story they’ve just read. And while they’re happily playing in the fenced playground, you just might be able to enjoy a few chapters of a good book yourself.

Special Needs

The library, and the toilets are both wheelchair accessible. The toilets also offer a parents’ room and baby change table. However, because the library is closed on Sundays, there is no access to the library facilities, including the toilets on this day. The playground does not offer anything specific for people with special needs, however, the library has a courtyard with some games such as Connect Four. The library also has allocated parking for people with a disability.

Albany Creek Library Park – The Facts

• fenced playground with fort, slide, swings, spinner on chip bark base
• unfenced playground for older children
• large green space for play and picnics
• library with dedicated children’s section
• library courtyard with outdoor games
• regular activities and events at the library for children and teenagers
• wheelchair accessible toilets within the library (open Monday – Saturday)
• off-street parking available

The Albany Creek Library Park is located at 16 Ferguson Street, Albany Creek. Another great library for kids with an adjoining playground is the Mitchelton Library Park.