State Librarian's vision
“Libraries have always been community meeting places,” says State Librarian, Lea Giles-Peters.
“And as other community spaces get squeezed, then a place like the State Library has to play more of a role in this way. We have a core function as a research library but we are also a public space.
“Because libraries exist within such a changing environment we looked at the best of the best (State Librarian and Principal Architect Timothy Hill visited the UK, USA, Singapore and Denmark on a research tour in 2002) and what really struck us was we were part of a cultural precinct on Brisbane’s river.
“The new State Library building features vast areas of naturally lit common space, including galleries, performance and event spaces, with views of the river and multi-purpose functionality.
“Infozone on the ground floor is very open. It’s largely computers and offers wireless access with adjoining River Decks that spill out over the river. There’s a fabulous area for children, as well as an Indigenous Knowledge Centre with an outdoor talking circle and a fire pit.
“You won’t see books. You’ll see people doing things together, you’ll see children and a lot of access to computers.
“I think the new State Library is responding to the changes of community expectations and what’s happening in public spaces. People have a fairly stereotypical view of what the State Library is so I think they will be surprised when they visit."
Last updated: 3rd September 2009
Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other
