State Library of Queensland

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Level 4 at State Library is home to our heritage and extraordinary collections.In the Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery you will find the exhibition Extraordinary stories featuring a rotating selection of stories about ordinary Queenslanders whose lives were anything but. These are stories worth telling, stories worth hearing, stories worth collecting, drawn from State Library's collections to tell us more about Queensland and the lives lived here.Also on level 4, you will find the Talbot Family Treasures Wall featuring a changing selection of items from State Library's heritage collections. The John Oxley Library has collected, preserved and shared Queensland’s collective memory since 1934 and the Talbot Family Treasures Wall is where you can view items of state significance. Each item on display here reveals a remarkable story, and together, they help deepen our understanding of Queensland’s diverse lifestyle, landscape, culture and community.Free Curator's tours of both these spaces are held monthly. Join one of our specialist curators to discover the unknown stories and hidden gems of State Library's collections.Book your space now!

Portraiture can reveal far more than a likeness. It can expose the heart of who we are.In this discussion, Brisbane Portrait Prize finalists unpack how gesture, light, and expression can speak volumes about personal and collective identity. From the vulnerability of self-portraiture to the stories embedded in a gaze, this is a conversation about art as a mirror to the soul.Discover how artists translate lived experience and emotion into visual form. Explore the role of self-portraiture as a site for self-expression and reflection. See how subtle details - a tilt of the head, a fleeting glance - can communicate complexity, vulnerability, and strength.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now embedded in our everyday lives - it's part of how we log in to our smartphones, search the internet, and shop online but what does AI mean for kids? Children in Australia are already 'living AI-augmented lives', which comes with risks and benefits. Join our panel of experts online or in person on Tuesday, 28 October as they discuss children's use of AI and explore whether this technology is a friend or foe for kids. Booking is required to attend this this free event.Presented by the Digital Child and supported by State Library of Queensland. We'll hear from: John Livingstone, UNICEF AustraliaNatasha Banks, Day for AI AustraliaDr Hassan Khosravi, University of QueenslandDr Kristy Corser, Digital ChildDistinguished Professor Susan Danby, Digital ChildFacilitator: Professor Michael Dezuanni, Digital Child Speakers: John Livingstone is the Digital Policy Lead at UNICEF Australia where he leads child rights advocacy campaigns to drive systems change and improve the digital lives of children and young people in Australia.Natasha Banks is Program Director for Day of AI Australia, a free world-class AI literacy program for teachers and students in years 1-10 across Australia. Dr Hassan Khosravi is an Associate Professor in Data Science and Learning Analytics at The University of Queensland. His research sits at the intersection of learning sciences and human–computer interaction with a particular focus on advancing the responsible and ethical use of AI in educationDr Kristy Corser is a Research Fellow in the Digital Child where she is currently co-leading a project 'Children’s engagement with Artificial Intelligence: A Digital Child Parliament'. She has a background in primary education and research interests in teaching and learning with Educational Technology, including AI. Distinguished Professor Susan Danby is the Director of the Digital Child. Susan is recognised internationally as one of Australia’s leading experts in early years language and social interaction, childhood studies, and young children’s engagement with digital technologies. Facilitator Professor Michael Dezuanni undertakes research about digital media, literacies and learning in home, school and community contexts. He is the Program Leader for ‘Creating Better Digital Futures’ for QUT’s Digital Media Research Centre and a chief investigator in the Digital Child. Accessibility If you require accessible seating options, please call 07 3842 9487 or email venues@slq.qld.gov.au. Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events. Privacy information We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.