State Library of Queensland

The Brisbane Public Library was established by the government of the Colony of Queensland in 1896, and was renamed the Public Library of Queensland in 1898.{{Cite web|url=http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about-us/corporate/history|title=History – State Library of Queensland|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124230830/http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about-us/corporate/history|archive-date=24 November 2013}} The library was opened to the public in 1902.

In 1934, the Oxley Memorial Library (now the John Oxley Library),[https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/plan-my-visit/spaces-visit/john-oxley-library John Oxley Library] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411020350/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/plan-my-visit/spaces-visit/john-oxley-library |date=11 April 2019 }}. State Library of Queensland. Retrieved 14 June 2019. named for the explorer John Oxley, opened as a centre for research and study relating specifically to Queensland. The Libraries Act 1943 established the Library Board of Queensland to manage the Public Library of Queensland; three years later, under the terms of The Oxley Memorial Library of Queensland Act,{{Cite web|url=https://media.sclqld.org.au/documents/digitisation/v04_pp703-706_Education_Oxley%20Memorial%20Library%20of%20Queensland%20Act%20of%201946%2011%20Geo.%206%20No.%2015.pdf|title=Oxley Memorial Library of Queensland Act 1946|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311135413/http://media.sclqld.org.au/documents/digitisation/v04_pp703-706_Education_Oxley%20Memorial%20Library%20of%20Queensland%20Act%20of%201946%2011%20Geo.%206%20No.%2015.pdf|archive-date=11 March 2016|url-status=live}} it took over management of the Oxley Memorial Library as well.

In March 1947, James L. Stapleton was appointed Queensland's first State Librarian.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49360868|title=Took Year To Get Librarian|date=21 March 1947|newspaper=The Courier-mail|access-date=21 October 2018|issue=3221|location=Queensland, Australia|page=3|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307042652/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/49360868|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49347875|title=NEW LIBRARIAN'S 25 YEARS ON JOB|date=24 March 1947|newspaper=The Courier-mail|access-date=21 October 2018|issue=3223|location=Queensland, Australia|page=6|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307042656/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/49347875|url-status=live}} Stapleton advocated for a new building for the library and that library services should be free to the public.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49332946|title=IF AUSTRALIA IS TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE TIMES.|date=24 July 1947|newspaper=The Courier-mail|access-date=21 October 2018|issue=3327|location=Queensland, Australia|page=2|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307042655/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/49332946|url-status=live}}

In 1971, the "Public Library" became the "State Library". The following year, the Public Library Service was established to liaise with Queensland local governments regarding their public libraries; a subsidy for employing qualified staff in public libraries was also established. A few years later the Country Lending Service was established to provide book exchange and other services to public libraries in Queensland's smaller local government areas. Under the new name of Rural Libraries Queensland, the service is still going strong today, administered by the State Library's Public and Indigenous Library Services program.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

File:The-old-State-Library.jpg

In 1988, the State Library relocated from the Old State Library building in William Street in the Brisbane CBD to its present location in the Queensland Cultural Centre in South Brisbane.{{cite QHR||Queensland Cultural Centre|602844|access-date=25 January 2025}}

In 2003, the State Library began a new mission of establishing Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) in the Cape York and Torres Strait areas. There is now a network of 22 IKCs in remote and regional communities: across Cape York, the islands of the Torres Strait, Central Queensland and at Cherbourg in South East Queensland.[http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about-us/indigenous-knowledge-centres Indigenous Knowledge Centres] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826120603/http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about-us/indigenous-knowledge-centres |date=26 August 2012 }}. State Library of Queensland. Retrieved 30 June 2013.

Between 2006 and 2009, the library was extensively renovated both internally and externally, including the addition of a fifth floor, a large addition facing the river, and a new entrance. In 2010, the neighbouring riverside building housing the Fountain Room restaurant and an auditorium became part of the library and following some modifications was redesignated as "The Edge" and used to hold workshops, creative activities, events and exhibitions.

In early 2011, the library donated 50,000 pictures to Wikimedia Commons.{{Cite news |url=https://www.news.com/technology/state-library-of-queensland-donates-50000-pictures-to-wikimedia-commons/story-e6frfro0-1225981792388 |title=State Library of Queensland donates 50,000 photos to Wikimedia Commons |author=Claire Connelly |access-date=30 June 2013 |date=5 January 2011 |work=news.com.au |publisher=News Limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012132322/http://www.news.com.au/technology/state-library-of-queensland-donates-50000-pictures-to-wikimedia-commons/story-e6frfro0-1225981792388 |archive-date=12 October 2013 }}

File:Northern end of the State Library of Queensland.jpg

File:Atrium in State Library of Queensland 04.jpg

The Brisbane Public Library moved into the Old State Library Building in William Street, Brisbane in 1899. This building had formerly been occupied by the Queensland Museum.

The Library originally shared accommodation in the building with an art gallery. In the late 1950s, an extension, with a distinctive tiled mural by Lindsay Edward on the exterior, was built onto the building to provide more space. The mural was the winning design in a national competition held in 1958.

In 1988, the year of Brisbane's World Expo 88, the State Library of Queensland moved to a new home within the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank, near the Queensland Museum and the original Queensland Art Gallery, on the site of the former St Helen's Methodist Hospital, South Brisbane.{{Cite web |title=Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower |url=https://present356.rssing.com/chan-8314353/all_p6.html |access-date=6 July 2022 |website=Your Brisbane Past and Present |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706010437/https://present356.rssing.com/chan-8314353/all_p6.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite journal |last=Love |first=W.R.F. |date=1975 |title=ST. HELEN'S HOSPITAL HAS PLAYED A LIVING ROLE |url=https://www.textqueensland.com.au/item/article/89369422943ec6008f760d4b8697a5d4 |journal=Journal of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland |volume=9 |issue=6 |pages=78–88 |via=Text Queensland |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=4 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104134422/https://www.textqueensland.com.au/item/article/89369422943ec6008f760d4b8697a5d4 |url-status=live }} This new building, a C-shaped edifice of straight-faced concrete and glass built around a mature Poinciana tree overlooking the Brisbane River, was the work of architectural firm, Robin Gibson and Partners,{{Cite book |title=Light, Space, Place: The Architecture of Robin Gibson |publisher=Uro Publications |year=2022 |editor-last=Van der Plaat |editor-first=Deborah|pages=155 |chapter=The Queensland Cultural Centre |editor-last2=Jones |editor-first2=Lloyd}} and marked the completion of Gibson's ambitious Queensland Cultural Centre project.{{Cite journal |date=November 1988 |title=State Library of Queensland |journal=Constructional Review |volume=61 |issue=4 |pages=20}}

In 2004, work began on the Millennium Library Project - a major redevelopment of the existing State Library building.{{Cite web|url=http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about-us/corporate/history|title=Timeline of State Library of Queensland history|access-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124230830/http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about-us/corporate/history|archive-date=24 November 2013|url-status=live}} After three years of extensive redevelopment, the South Bank building officially re-opened on 25 November 2006.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

This major redevelopment was the work of Brisbane-based architecture firms Donovan Hill and Peddle Thorp. Their work earned them several awards: the RAIA Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture, 2007 (award for best public building in Australia);[http://www.archaust.com/aa/aaissue.php?issueid=200711&article=10&typeon=2 2007 RAIA National Architecture Awards: Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture: State Library of Queensland Architecture Australia Vol 96 No 6 Nov/Dec 2007 pp 74–75] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721060702/http://www.archaust.com/aa/aaissue.php?issueid=200711&article=10&typeon=2 |date=21 July 2008 }} the RAIA Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture, 2007;2007 RAIA National Architecture Awards: Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture: Architecture Australia Vol 96 No 6 Nov/Dec 2007 pp 86–87 the RAIA Queensland Architecture Award for Brisbane Building of the Year 2007; the RAIA FDG Stanley Award for Public Buildings Architecture 2007; and the AIB Queensland Award for Project of the Year + Sustainability Commendation, 2007.{{Cite web|url=https://www.peddlethorp.com/experience/civic-award-winning/state-library-qld|title=Peddle Thorpe. State Library of Queensland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316151723/http://www.peddlethorp.com.au/experience/civic-award-winning/state-library-qld|archive-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live|access-date=16 March 2018}}{{Cite web |title=National Architecture Awards Winners 1981-2019 |url=https://www.architecture.com.au/wp-content/uploads/National-Award-Winners-1981-2019.pdf |access-date=3 February 2023 |website=Australian Institute of Architects |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322194909/https://www.architecture.com.au/wp-content/uploads/National-Award-Winners-1981-2019.pdf |url-status=live }}

The Donovan Hill/Peddle Thorp additions transformed the State Library building, reconfiguring the entrance, adding another level and doubling its size with an additional 12,000 sqm of new space.{{Cite book |title=Light, Space, Place: The Architecture of Robin Gibson |year=2022 |isbn=978-0-6486858-3-8 |editor-last=van der Plaat |editor-first=Deborah |pages=201 |chapter=Queensland State Library |editor-last2=Jones |editor-first2=Lloyd}}{{Cite web |title=State Library of Queensland |url=https://www.peddlethorp.com.au/Team/STATE-LIBRARY-OF-QUEENSLAND/3d826dee-6547-4a4e-adf5-3373613730ff |access-date=3 February 2023 |website=Peddle Thorp |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203052318/https://www.peddlethorp.com.au/Team/STATE-LIBRARY-OF-QUEENSLAND/3d826dee-6547-4a4e-adf5-3373613730ff |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=10 Jun 2022 |title=State Library of Queensland celebrates 120 years by offering behind-the-scenes access |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-10/state-library-of-queensland-celebrates-120-years/101136078 |website=ABC Radio Brisbane |access-date=3 February 2023 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203062653/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-10/state-library-of-queensland-celebrates-120-years/101136078 |url-status=live }} Although the elements of the original Gibson scheme were preserved in the renovation, the building was deemed too altered to be included in the 2015 State Heritage Listing of the Cultural Centre.{{Cite web |title=Queensland Cultural Centre |url=https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=602844 |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=Queensland Heritage Register |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205042725/https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=602844 |url-status=live }}

The State Library building has since been described as an "open, generous knowledge place",{{Cite journal |last=Thomson |first=Sheona |date=2011 |title=State Library Queensland |url=https://eprints.qut.edu.au/90218/ |journal=Architecture Australia |volume=100 |issue=5 |pages=93 |via=QUT ePrints |access-date=1 February 2023 |archive-date=1 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201013933/https://eprints.qut.edu.au/90218/ |url-status=live }} and one of Australia's "most cherished public living rooms".{{Cite journal |date=23 January 2023 |title=Revisited: State Library of Queensland |journal=Architecture Australia |pages=70–79}}

The building faces the Brisbane River and overlooks Stanley Place between the Queensland Art Gallery and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

The State Library holds general collections, including books, journals and magazines, newspapers, audio-visual items, family history, maps, music, ephemera, Internet and electronic resources. There are research collections and services – including the John Oxley Library and the Australian Library of Art.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-23|title=A brief history of the Australian Library of Art {{!}} State Library Of Queensland|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/brief-history-australian-library-art|access-date=2021-05-17|website=www.slq.qld.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517034154/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/brief-history-australian-library-art|url-status=live}}

State Library's collection holds 7 significant collections, recognised for their importance by UNESCO's Australian Memory of the World Register:{{Cite web |title=The Australian Memory of the World Register |url=https://www.amw.org.au/node/57 |access-date=20 April 2023 |website=National Committee of Australia Memory of the World |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420081343/https://www.amw.org.au/node/57 |url-status=live }}

• Margaret Lawrie Collection of Torres Strait Islands, 1964–1998{{Cite web|title=Margaret Lawrie Torres Strait Island Collection {{!}} Australian Memory of the World|url=https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/margaret-lawrie-torres-strait-island-collection|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.amw.org.au|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329195950/https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/margaret-lawrie-torres-strait-island-collection|url-status=live}}{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/margaret-lawrie-collection-torres-strait-islands-1964-1998-treasure-collection-john-oxley|title=Margaret Lawrie Collection of Torres Strait Islands 1964-1998: treasure collection of the John Oxley Library|date=24 February 2021|authors=Lynn Meyers|access-date=20 April 2023}}
• Manifesto of the Queensland Labour Party, 1892{{Cite web|title=Manifesto of the Queensland Labour Party, 1892 {{!}} Australian Memory of the World|url=https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/manifesto-queensland-labour-party-1892|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.amw.org.au|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329200053/https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/manifesto-queensland-labour-party-1892|url-status=live}}{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/charles-seymour-papers-1880-1924-treasure-collection-john-oxley-library|title=Charles Seymour Papers 1880-1924: Treasure collection of the John Oxley Library|date=8 November 2021|authors=Anne Scheu|access-date=20 April 2023}}
• The Convict Records of Queensland, 1825–1842{{Cite web|title=The Convict Records of Queensland 1825-1842 {{!}} Australian Memory of the World|url=https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/convict-records-queensland-1825-1842|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.amw.org.au|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329200426/https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/convict-records-queensland-1825-1842|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2014-06-12|title=Moreton Bay Penal Settlement 1824 to 1842 {{!}} State Library Of Queensland|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/moreton-bay-penal-settlement-1824-1842|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.slq.qld.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=23 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170506/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/moreton-bay-penal-settlement-1824-1842|url-status=live}}
• James Tyson Papers, 1834–1965{{Cite web|title=James Tyson Papers {{!}} Australian Memory of the World|url=https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/james-tyson-papers|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.amw.org.au|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329204310/https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/james-tyson-papers|url-status=live}}{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/unesco-listing-jol-collection|title=UNESCO listing for JOL collection|date=15 February 2017|access-date=20 April 2023}}
• Anzac Day Commemoration Committee, 1916–1922{{Cite web|title=Anzac Day Commemoration Committee Minutes and Suggestions 1916-1922 {{!}} Australian Memory of the World|url=https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/anzac-day-commemoration-committee-minutes-and-suggestions-1916-1922|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.amw.org.au|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329205640/https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/anzac-day-commemoration-committee-minutes-and-suggestions-1916-1922|url-status=live}}{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/anzac-day-minute-book-added-australian-memory-world-register|title=Anzac Day minute book added to the Australian Memory of the World Register|authors=Dianne McKean|access-date=5 March 2019}}
• The Johnstone Gallery Archive, 1948-1992{{Cite web|date=2021-02-24|title=The Johnstone Gallery Archive 1948 - ca 1992: treasure collection of the John Oxley Library {{!}} State Library Of Queensland|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/johnstone-gallery-archive-1948-ca-1992-treasure-collection-john-oxley-library|access-date=2021-03-19|website=www.slq.qld.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=15 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315183330/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/johnstone-gallery-archive-1948-ca-1992-treasure-collection-john-oxley-library|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Johnstone Gallery Archive 1948-c1992 and Arthur Davenport Photographs 1955-1992 |url=https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/johnstone-gallery-archive-1948-c1992-and-arthur-davenport-photographs-1955-1992 |access-date=20 April 2023 |website=National Committee of Australia Memory of the World |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420082841/https://www.amw.org.au/register/listings/johnstone-gallery-archive-1948-c1992-and-arthur-davenport-photographs-1955-1992 |url-status=live }}
• Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM Children's Art Archive 1986-2016; 2020{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/childrens-art-recognised-unesco|title=Children’s art recognised by UNESCO|date=14 April 2023|authors=Anita Lewis|access-date=20 April 2023}}{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/margaret-lawrie-collection-torres-strait-islands-1964-1998-treasure-collection-john-oxley|title=Dr Barbara Piscitelli AM Children’s Art Archive 1990-2020: Treasure collection of the John Oxley Library|date=15 November 2021|authors=Stella Read|access-date=20 April 2023}}

State Library holds a number of significant collections of material documenting Queensland history;{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/tag/treasures-john-oxley-library?page=1|title=Treasures of the John Oxley Library blogs|date=2021|access-date=3 February 2023}}

• Queensland election-related material, including websites, posters, flyers and how-to-vote cards.;{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2012/03/16/3455059.htm?site=brisbane |title=What to do with those 'How to Vote' cards after polling day |author=Emma Sykes |access-date=30 June 2013 |date=16 March 2012 |work=612 ABC Brisbane |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527180724/http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2012/03/16/3455059.htm?site=brisbane |archive-date=27 May 2012 }}
• Frank and Eunice Corley House Photographs Collection, which contained more than 60,000 photographs of Brisbane suburbia;{{cite web |title=Home: a suburban obsession |url=https://www.architecture.uq.edu.au/news/home-suburban-obsession |website=School of Architecture |publisher=University of Queensland |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810042149/https://www.architecture.uq.edu.au/news/home-suburban-obsession |archive-date=10 August 2019 |url-status=live }}
• Richard Stringer Architectural Photography Archive, includes over 63,000 photographic negatives and approximately 100,000 digital images, providing a substantial documentary record of Queensland’s built heritage from 1967-2021.{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/significant-queensland-architectural-heritage-collection-donated-state-library|title=Significant Queensland architectural heritage collection donated to State Library|date=15 October 2021|authors=Catherine Cottle|access-date=3 February 2023}}

• Access to collections, including access to 50,000 Copyright-free Queensland images through Wikimedia Commons{{cite web|url=http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/183625/MRState_Library_shares_images_of_Queensland.pdf|title=Slq.qld.gov.au|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165516/http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/183625/MRState_Library_shares_images_of_Queensland.pdf|archive-date=3 March 2016}}
• Provides books and other resource material to public libraries throughout Queensland.
• Specialist services to public libraries in a number of areas, including services to young people and multicultural communities {{Cite web |title=Public Libraries Connect |url=https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/ |access-date=1 February 2023 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102230750/https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/ |url-status=live }}
• Public programs and exhibitions, including exhibition loans to schools, museums and other community organisations.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
• Outreach programs in reference, research, information literacy, Internet training and digitisation throughout Queensland for public library staff and the general community.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
• Library services to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders including the establishment of Indigenous Knowledge Centres primarily in Cape York and Torres Strait regions and increasing the employment and training opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the library industry.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
• A digital culture centre called The Edge, for young people.{{cite web|url=http://edgeqld.org.au/|title=The Edge, SLQ|website=The Edge|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123012147/http://edgeqld.org.au/|archive-date=23 January 2018}}
• A free coworking space, the Business Studio, supports startups, entrepreneurs and small business.{{cite web|url=http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/library-spaces/business-studio|title=Business Studio|first=corporateName=State Library of Queensland|last=jurisdiction=Queensland|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319073322/http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/library-spaces/business-studio|archive-date=19 March 2018|url-status=live}}
• kuril dhagun Indigenous Knowledge Centre
• The Corner, an activities area for children under 8, their parents, carers, educators and friends.
• a free 'Ask a Librarian' enquiry service {{Cite web |title=Ask a Librarian |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/ask-librarian |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=3 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603053436/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/ask-librarian |url-status=live }}

The library has hosted a number of prominent exhibitions, including:

• 100 not out: a century of Queensland sporting memories (3 August - 17 November 2002){{Cite web |title=100 not out: a century of Queensland sporting memories |url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/fhnkog/slq_alma21126954140002061 |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205042720/https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=61SLQ_INST%3ASLQ&tab=All&docid=alma997886504702061&searchScope=SLQ&context=L&lang=en |url-status=live }}
• A Few of our Favourite Things (25 November 2006 – 11 March 2007){{Cite web |title=A few of our favourite things : 10 Queenslanders explore the State Library of Queensland's collections. |url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/fhnkog/slq_alma21135510040002061 |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205042721/https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=61SLQ_INST%3ASLQ&tab=All&docid=alma997817414702061&searchScope=SLQ&context=L&lang=en |url-status=live }}
• Bold but Faithful: John Oxley Library at work (4 April - 11 October 2009){{Cite web |title=Bold but faithful: John Oxley Library at work |url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/fhnkog/slq_alma21116384740002061 |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205042722/https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=61SLQ_INST%3ASLQ&tab=All&docid=alma9912052174702061&searchScope=SLQ&context=L&lang=en |url-status=live }}
• Transforming Tindale (6 September 2012 - 9 December 2012){{Cite web |title=Transforming Tindale |url=https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/dls06p/alma99183595817202061 |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=State Library of Queensland}}
• Hot Modernism (9 July – 12 October 2014){{Cite web |title=Hot modernism Cool resource |url=http://www.uq.edu.au/research/impact/stories/hot-modernism-cool-resource/ |access-date=2022-03-07 |website=University of Queensland |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410050454/http://www.uq.edu.au/research/impact/stories/hot-modernism-cool-resource/ |url-status=live }}
• Islands: hidden histories from Queensland Islands (30 Jun 2018 – 27 January 2019){{Cite web |date=2021-04-11 |title=Islands: Hidden histories of Queensland islands |url=http://islands.slq.qld.gov.au/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411021216/http://islands.slq.qld.gov.au/ |archive-date=11 April 2021 |access-date=2022-03-07 }}
• Home: A Suburban Obsession (7 December 2018 – 14 July 2019){{Cite web |date=2020-01-09 |title=Home: a suburban obsession — State Library of Queensland |url=http://home.slq.qld.gov.au:80/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109173136/http://home.slq.qld.gov.au:80/ |archive-date=9 January 2020 |access-date=2022-03-07 |website=State Library of Queensland}}
• Plantation Voices (16 February - 8 September 2019){{Cite web |title=Plantation Voices: Contemporary conversations with Australian South Sea Islanders |url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/fhnkog/slq_alma21289005070002061 |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205042722/https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=61SLQ_INST%3ASLQ&tab=All&docid=alma99183952221202061&searchScope=SLQ&context=L&lang=en |url-status=live }}
• Legacy: Reflections on Mabo (28 May 2022 – 9 October 2022){{cite web |title=Legacy: Reflections on Mabo |url=https://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/mabolegacy |website=State Library of Queensland}}
• Working Country (24 June 2023 – 28 January 2024){{cite web |title=Working Country |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/working-country |website=State Library of Queensland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008112746/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/working-country |archive-date=8 October 2023 }}
• Purpose Built: Architecture for a better tomorrow (2 September 2023 - 14 April 2024){{cite web |title=Purpose built |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/purposebuilt |website=State Library of Queensland |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008111941/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/purposebuilt |url-status=live }}

Free guided tours of the building are available.{{cite web |url=http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/calendar/tours |title=Calendar – tours |publisher=State Library of Queensland |access-date=30 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606020201/http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/calendar/tours |archive-date=6 June 2013 }} In 2010, a total of 3730 school students participated in a tour.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cio.com/article/392355/state_library_queensland_building_virtual_tour/ |title=State Library of Queensland building virtual tour |author=Tim Lohman |access-date=30 June 2013 |date=4 July 2011 |work=CIO |publisher=IDG Communications |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727212945/http://www.cio.com.au/article/392355/state_library_queensland_building_virtual_tour/ |archive-date=27 July 2014 }}

Rural Libraries Queensland (formerly the Country Library Service) is a collaboration between the State Library of Queensland and approximately 30 of the local government councils to provide library libraries to rural communities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/rural-libraries-queensland|title=Rural Libraries Queensland|publisher=State Library of Queensland|access-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521031913/http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/rural-libraries-queensland|archive-date=21 May 2017}}

As a member library of National and State Libraries Australia, the organisation collaborated on the creation of the National edeposit (NED) system, which enables publishers from all over Australia to upload electronic publications as per the 2016 amendment to the Copyright Act 1968 and other regional legislation relating to legal deposit,{{cite web | title=What is legal deposit? | website=National Library of Australia | date=17 February 2016 | url=https://www.nla.gov.au/legal-deposit/what-is-legal-deposit | access-date=6 May 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421213859/https://www.nla.gov.au/legal-deposit/what-is-legal-deposit | archive-date=21 April 2020 | url-status=live }} and makes these publications publicly accessible online (depending on access conditions) from anywhere via Trove.{{cite web| title=What is National edeposit (NED)?| website=NED| url=https://ned.gov.au/resources/about.html| access-date=6 May 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307154016/https://ned.gov.au/resources/about.html| archive-date=7 March 2020| url-status=live}}

The State Library of Queensland is governed by the Library Board of Queensland, which draws its powers from the Libraries Act 1988.{{Cite web |title=Library Board of Queensland |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/corporate-information/library-board-queensland |access-date=2 February 2024 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207055628/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/corporate-information/library-board-queensland |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1988-029|title=Libraries Act 1988|newspaper=Queensland Government Queensland Legislation|access-date=13 November 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113604/https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1988-029|archive-date=13 November 2017}}

File:State Librarian James Stapleton, Brisbane, 1954.jpg

The State Librarian is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Library. The role has been filled by the following people:

• File:Vicki McDonald IFLA WLIC 2023 – Closing Session (cropped).jpgJames L. Stapleton, 1947–1970, the longest-serving state librarian
• Sydney Lawrence (Lawrie) Ryan 1970–1988{{Cite web |title=Lawrie Ryan addresses the English Association of Queensland (Brisbane Branch) on ‘Planning the next State Library’, 26 Jul 1983 |url=https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:04836bd |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=University of Queensland |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916035519/https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:04836bd |url-status=live }}
• Des Stephens, 1988–2001{{Cite journal |last=Stephens |first=Des |last2=Hallam |first2=Michael |date=1994-01-01 |title=Commercialising the State Library of Queensland |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00049670.1994.10755664 |journal=The Australian Library Journal}}
• Lea Giles-Peters, 2001–2011, the first woman to be appointed to the position{{Cite journal |last=Houghton |first=Des |title=Building a better, bolder lifestyle |journal=The Courier Mail |volume=9 May 2006 |pages=30}}{{Cite web |title=Annual Report 2011–12 |url=https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tp/2012/5412T1444.pdf |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=Library Board of Queensland |page=4 |archive-date=25 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125073500/https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tp/2012/5412T1444.pdf |url-status=live }}
• Janette Wright, 2012–2015
• Vicki McDonald OA FALIA, 2016–{{Cite web |title=State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/corporate-information/state-librarian-and-chief-executive-officer |access-date=3 June 2024 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409041136/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/corporate-information/state-librarian-and-chief-executive-officer |url-status=live }}

The Library comprises the following program units:{{cn|date=June 2025}}{{update inline|date=June 2025}}

• Content Development
• Queensland Memory
• Discovery
• Information Communications and Technology Services

Regional Access and Public Libraries

• Literacy and Young People
• Public Library Development
• Regional Partnerships
• SLQ Cairns

Engagement and Partnerships

• Indigenous Services
• Visitor Experience
• Learning and Participation
• The Edge
• Asia Pacific Design Library
• Business Studio
• Government Research and Information Library

Corporate Services

• Finance, Facilities & Administration
• HR Consultancy
• Strategic Reporting
• People and Planning

Office of the State Librarian

• Communications
• Queensland Library Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which raises funds for the library's projects{{Cite web |title=Queensland Library Foundation |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/corporate-information/queensland-library-foundation |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=State Library of Queensland |language=en |archive-date=26 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726035053/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/corporate-information/queensland-library-foundation |url-status=live }}

In 2009 State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Library Foundation and QUT Business School at Queensland University of Technology collaborated to establish the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame initiative.{{Cite web |title=Queensland Business Leaders Business Leaders Hall of Fame |url=https://leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/inductees |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806060659/http://leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/ |archive-date=6 August 2017 |access-date=3 August 2017}} The QBLHOF recognises outstanding contributions made by organisations, companies and individuals to develop the Queensland economy and society, both contemporary and historical. A governing committee determines a list of inductees based on a set of criteria including:

• Sustained leadership
• Major financial contribution
• Pioneering
• Outstanding contribution
• Achievement of iconic status

The inductees are announced each year in July at a gala event. Since 2014 the QBLHOF has also awarded an annual Fellowship, to recipients working on a research project that utilises the resources of the John Oxley Library to produce new interpretations of Queensland's business history.

State Library hosts the annual Queensland Memory Awards. The program recognises contributions to the documentation, preservation, and celebration of Queensland’s memory – past and present – through fellowships and awards.{{Cite web |title=Queensland Memory Awards |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/queensland-memory-awards |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531022218/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/queensland-memory-awards |url-status=live }}

The John Oxley Library Awards recognise outstanding contributions of individuals{{Cite web |title=John Oxley Library Award |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/queensland-memory-awards |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531022218/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/queensland-memory-awards |url-status=live }} and organisations{{Cite web |title=John Oxley Library Community History Award |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/queensland-memory-awards/john-oxley-library-community-history-award |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531022213/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/queensland-memory-awards/john-oxley-library-community-history-award |url-status=live }} in the advancement of our understanding of Queensland's cultural heritage. Some notable past recipients include: Robert (Uncle Bob) Anderson, Jackie Huggins, Richard Stringer, and Matthew Condon.{{cn|date=June 2025}}

Two black&write! Writing Fellowships are awarded each year to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander writers living anywhere in Australia, based on unpublished manuscripts. Each winner is awarded $15,000 cash prize, plus editorial development with the "black&write!" team, as well as the opportunity to be published by the University of Queensland Press.{{cite web | title=black&write! Writing Fellowships | website=State Library of Queensland | url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/indigenous-writing-fellowships-and-editing-internships/blackwrite-writing-fellowships | access-date=8 June 2025}} Six writers are shortlisted on the basis of a specific manuscript.{{cite web | last=Guenzler | first=Joseph | title=Six Indigenous writers in running for black&write! fellowship honours | website=National Indigenous Times | date=9 May 2025 | url=https://nit.com.au/09-05-2025/17814/six-indigenous-writers-in-running-for-blackwrite-fellowship-honours | access-date=8 June 2025}} The fellowships, awarded since 2011, have been awarded to writers including Dakota Feirer, Jacob Gallagher, Susie Anderson, Tylissa Elisara, Carl Merrison, Lystra Rose, Nardi Simpson, Claire G. Coleman, Alison Whittaker, Jannali Jones, Jane Harrison, Jared Thomas, Tristan Savage, Teagan Chilcott, Sue McPherson, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Tori-Jay Mordey, and Jillian Boyd.{{cite web | title=Indigenous writing fellowships and editing internships | website=State Library of Queensland | date=11 February 2022 | url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/indigenous-writing-fellowships-and-editing-internships | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523115043/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/awards-and-fellowships/indigenous-writing-fellowships-and-editing-internships | archive-date=23 May 2025 | url-status=live | access-date=8 June 2025}}

The award made headlines in 2025,{{cite web | last=Caust | first=Jo | title=A First Nations writer’s fellowship was withdrawn by Queensland’s government. What’s going on? | website=The Conversation | date=23 May 2025 | url=https://theconversation.com/a-first-nations-writers-fellowship-was-withdrawn-by-queenslands-government-whats-going-on-257445 | access-date=8 June 2025}}{{cite web | last=Burke | first=Kelly | title=First Nations writer speaks out after being stripped of $15,000 State Library of Queensland award over Gaza tweet | website=The Guardian | date=21 May 2025 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/21/state-library-of-queensland-karen-wyld-first-nations-writer-award-gaza-tweet-ntwnfb | access-date=8 June 2025}} when, just hours before the ceremony in Brisbane on 20 May, the library rescinded the fellowship to Martu author K. A. Ren Wyld (formerly known Karen Wyld), who is based in Adelaide, South Australia, on the instruction of Queensland arts minister John-Paul Langbroek. The decision was based on a 2024 tweet by Wyld about the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israel. She later said that she was not fully aware who Sinwar was at the time, and thought that she had deleted the tweet afterwards.{{cite web | title=Local First Nations author denied literary prize over Palestine post | website=InDaily | date=23 May 2025|first= Walter| last=Marsh | url=https://www.indailysa.com.au/inreview/books-poetry/2025/05/23/chilling-effect-local-first-nations-author-denied-literary-prize-over-palestine-post-2 | access-date=8 June 2025}} The premier, David Crisafulli, had also been involved in the decision. Following the announcement, several panel judges for the Queensland Literary Awards resigned, including Jeanine Leane and writer and critic Nigel Featherstone.{{cite web | last=Hammond | first=Ned | title=Queensland Literary Awards program under review after fellowship revoked from First Nations writer | website=ABC News | date=27 May 2025 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-27/literary-awards-fellowship-pulled-k-a-ren-wyld-langbroek/105335746 | access-date=8 June 2025}} A statement published on the library website by State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald on 22 May 2025 said that the library had complied with the Minister's decision to rescind the fellowship, and "committed to undertake an independent review of the suite of awards and fellowships we administer", with a "specific focus on how we balance our strong commitment to freedom of expression and our role as a Queensland Government funded cultural institution".{{cite web | title=Statement: State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM | website=State Library of Queensland | date=22 May 2025 | url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/news-and-media/media-centre/statement-state-librarian-and-ceo-vicki-mcdonald-am | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530061228/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/about/news-and-media/media-centre/statement-state-librarian-and-ceo-vicki-mcdonald-am | archive-date=30 May 2025 | url-status=live | access-date=8 June 2025}} The Australian Society of Authors issued a statement condemning the action of the government, calling it "another alarming instance of the undermining of freedom of expression and arms-length arts funding".{{cite web | title=Queensland Government fellowship decision | website=Australian Society of Authors | date=21 May 2025 | url=https://www.asauthors.org.au/news/state-library-of-queensland-fellowship-decision/ | access-date=8 June 2025}}

Fellowships support researchers and creatives of all kinds to interpret the significant collections of the John Oxley Library. Through deep engagement and interaction with the collections, these interpretations provide new insights into the collection and contribute new knowledge about Queensland's history.

The premier fellowship, the John Oxley Library Fellowship, has been awarded since 2004.{{Cite web |title=Past John Oxley Library Fellows |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/fellowships-awards-and-residencies/queensland-memory-awards/john-oxley-library/john-oxley-library-0 |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=State Library of Queensland |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531022217/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/get-involved/fellowships-awards-and-residencies/queensland-memory-awards/john-oxley-library/john-oxley-library-0 |url-status=live }}

Other fellowships with a historical focus include:{{cn|date=June 2025}}

• Monica Clare Research Fellowship (First Nations history)
• Rainbow Research Fellowship (LGBTIQA+ history)
• Queensland Heritage Register Fellowship (Built heritage)
• Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellowship (Business and economic history)
• Digital Collections Catalyst (Use of digital collections and data)
• Christina Boughen OAM Fellowship (Use of the Robert Boughen OBE and Christina Boughen OAM Collection)
• Letty Katts Fellowship (Music history)

Research outcomes are published on the John Oxley Library blog.{{Cite web |title=John Oxley Library Blog - Queensland Memory Fellows |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/tag/queensland-memory-fellows |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=State Library of Queensland. |archive-date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531022215/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/tag/queensland-memory-fellows |url-status=live }}

{{Portal|Queensland}}

• SLQ donation of images to Wikimedia Commons in December 2010
• Walker, Paul. Millennium Library [Donovan Hill and Peddle Thorp rework Robin Gibson's State Library of Queensland edifice] Architecture Australia, Vol 96 No 2 Mar/Apr 2007, pp. 64–73.

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• Timelapse videos of building redevelopment – [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMW0YiD3QcE Part 1], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKAYYdt4hgA Part 2] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7wlwQFVOPs Part 3].
• [http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/L/LibrarArchA88.pdf Libraries Act 1988 (Queensland)]

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