Media releases

State Library offers young wordsmiths a chance to win $2,000

Aspiring young writers from across Queensland have a chance to kick-start a literary career and win a $2,000 cash prize.

State Librarian Lea Giles-Peters is asking a new generation of young writers to embrace this exciting opportunity, and enter the prestigious State Library of Queensland Young Writers Award 2011.

“I encourage all 18 to 25 year-olds living in Queensland to dig deep into their creative minds, share the stories that are important to them, and hopefully launch an illustrious career in writing,” Ms Giles-Peters said.

Arts Minister Rachel Nolan has announced what's believed to be a world-first exhibition to be held in Brisbane featuring Torres Strait Islander arts and culture on a size and scale never before brought together.

Uniting all the arts organisations in the South Bank precinct for the first time, the landmark celebration will feature art collections, performances, lectures and activities for all ages from July 1 to October 23.

“Torres Strait Islands: A Celebration is the most extensive and inclusive celebration of Torres Strait Islander arts and culture ever mounted in Australia or anywhere else in the world,” Ms Nolan said.

“It is a huge undertaking with our Cultural Centre organisations — Queensland Museum South Bank, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), State Library of Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) — all joining forces,” she said.

Arts Minister Rachel Nolan has invited young Queenslanders to join celebrations for the reopening of digital culture centre The Edge at a free open day on Saturday, May 7.

The celebrations include bands, workshops and markets.

"The Edge is the State Library of Queensland's digital culture hub where there's wireless internet, computers, software, a recording studio, filmmaking equipment and meeting rooms available to all Queenslanders – usually free of charge," Ms Nolan said.

The State Library of Queensland is offering hope for anyone who feels like they're falling down the rabbit hole whenever they jump online.

Looking @2.0 is a free, online course presented by the State Library in partnership with public libraries throughout the state.

The course is designed to help people navigate the world of online technologies, keep up with the online activities of their children, stay safe online and utilise some of the many positive aspects Web 2.0 has to offer.

With some great prizes up for grabs to Queensland residents, including iPads, a digital camera, and an iPod touch, people are invited to go online and learn a bit about Web 2.0.

State Librarian Lea Giles-Peters has announced the opening of Queensland’s 21st
Indigenous Knowledge Centre in the central Queensland aboriginal community of
Woorabinda.

Ms Giles-Peters said the Woorabinda Knowledge Centre was an exciting initiative that
would provide a community hub for sharing information, knowledge and cultural heritage.

Arts Minister Rachel Nolan today gave a sneak preview of the highlights for the 2011 Ideas Festival, which will invite Australia's leading minds to grapple with the themes of well-being, food futures and sustainability.

"The 2011 Ideas Festival, taking place from 19-22 May, at the State Library brings together Queenslanders to brainstorm on issues that impact our daily lives," Ms Nolan said.

Donated to the State Library on Friday (18 Feb), the notes for Premier Anna Bligh’s famous We are Queenslanders speech show that she spoke from the heart.Executive Manager, Queensland Memory Louise Denoon said Premier Bligh’s handwritten dot points revealed a compassionate and strong leader grappling with tragedy and disaster.

State Library of Queensland reopens its doors with a whole weekend of activities remembering the state’s recent devastating floods.

State Librarian Lea Giles-Peters said two days of stimulating talks, events, displays and family activities will shine a light on the 2011 floods.

The State Library of Queensland gets into the spirit of The Antiques Road Show with free military memorabilia appraisals this Sunday 20 February from 1pm.

If you have any military medals, badges, photos, letters or other personal wartime treasures, bring them in and Australian War Memorial curators will offer advice on the significance of the items, and tips on care and preservation.

As communities start to recover from the floods, the State Library of Queensland is helping children to bring joy and routine back into their lives.

The State Library has been working in public libraries to deliver a free program of music, storytelling and creative play in suburbs across Brisbane.