State Library of Queensland

Access more benefits online and onsite when you become a State Library member. Membership is free. Access is immediate.

There is so much on offer at State Library. Explore ways to make the most of your visit before you arrive.

Step into State Library of Queensland after hours for a special after dark one-night-only event on the closing weekend of Brisbane Portrait Prize. Explore the Brisbane Portrait Prize Finalist Exhibition in a dynamic social setting, where art, music and performance meet. This is your chance to Stare into the Soul of Brisbane through the eyes of its artists in a night where: a live DJ will pulse with an ambient soundtrack in the slq Gallerytalented local musicians will keep the music going in the Poinciana Lounge artists will capture portraits in real time as the Red Box becomes a live drawing studioyou can browse a curated selection of titles from local and art-focused publishers in our pop-up book shopand get hands-on with portrait-inspired activitiesYour entry includes an individual antipasto box, a drink on arrival with a cash bar for more. Unlimited soft drinks available. For any dietary requirements, please email productionteam@slq.qld.gov.au. Portraits after dark is an evocative way to experience the Brisbane Portrait Prize, connect with artists, and see State Library in a different light.

As part of Remembrance Day 2025 Anzac Square Memorial Galleries will be offering special 45-minute tours in November exploring stories of Queensland war heroes that exemplify the Anzac spirit and underpin this important day. We've searched through State Library's extensive military collection to bring you some of our favourite stories of courage, resilience, and sacrifice from the home front and battlefields, as we guide you on an interactive journey from the First World War to today. Some of the moving stories you'll hear on this tour include: Hugh Andrew Geraldton Campbell, who joined the 11th Field Company Engineers when he enlisted in late 1915. Engineers, such as Hugh, were the backbone of the AIF during World War I, responsible for building and maintaining critical infrastructure like trenches, railways and roads, which were essential for troop movement and maintaining supply lines. Gladys Moncrieff OBE, a beloved Queensland soprano awarded the Order of British Empire for her wartime contributions. She performed for Australian troops in New Guinea during World War II and Japan and Korea in 1951, as well as working tirelessly to raise money for the war effort and wounded service personnel. A selection of her songs will be playing in the World War II Gallery for visitors to enjoy. Peter John Hegarty, one of 250 First Nations Australians who served during the Vietnam conflict. Born in Cherbourg he served in the Army for six years, nine months of which he spent with the Royal Australian Engineers in Vietnam. Tours will depart at 10:30am and 12:30pm each Sunday for the month of November. Additional sessions will be available at 12:30pm and 1:30pm on Tuesday 11 November for Remembrance Day. Book now to secure your place on this limited tour. You can also discover different ways to commemorate this Remembrance Day.

The Explainer Series cuts through the noise.Real experts, open conversations and timely topics.From crocodile culls to cultural shifts, we’re exploring the ideas and experiences shaping Queensland and beyond.No spin. No hype. Just fresh perspectives, explained.The Explainer Series.Presented by State Library of Queensland.The Explainer Series: CrocodilesAncient, powerful and often misunderstood, crocodiles are more than just fearsome reptiles — they’re vital to the health of our ecosystems and a critical part of Australia’s natural heritage. In this edition of The Explainer Series, leading biologist Professor Craig Franklin from the University of Queensland takes us inside the world of these remarkable animals. From their physiology and behaviour to their role in balancing river systems and shaping biodiversity, discover what makes crocodiles so special — and why calls for widespread culling ignore the science. This is a chance to rethink the croc, guided by the researcher who knows them best.