Skip to main content

State Library of Queensland

Family gathered for a picnic, horses in the background

Your story begins with theirs

Family history month

Explore events and resources for tracing your ancestry

Learn more

Search the catalogue

Access State Library collections through One Search

Catalogue help

Getting started

Using the libraryebookseresourcesBook spaces and equipmentFamily historyTeachers and students
Man reading newspaper at the library
Membership
Access more benefits online and onsite when you become a State Library member. Membership is free. Access is immediate.
Learn more
The State Library building from the opposite side of the Brisbane River.
Visit
There is so much on offer at State Library. Explore ways to make the most of your visit before you arrive.
Learn more

What's on

First Nations family outside wood building.
Booking required
Who’s Your Mob? Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander family history workshop

Fri 21 Aug · 10am–1pm

If you're thinking about starting your First Nations family history research but aren't sure how or where to begin, Who's Your Mob? offers an opportunity to engage directly with State Library of Queensland’s resources and collections available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history research.Build your research skills and begin your journey in a friendly, culturally supportive space.Workshop information:To maximise participants' experience, places are strictly limited, so book fast to secure your spot.Past participants of the Who's Your Mob? workshops are welcome.Please bring your own laptop/ipad/tablet for the day.Light refreshments will be provided.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.
Event details
Photo by Soren Funk
Ticketed
The Explainer Series: Microplastics

Thu 27 Aug · 6:30–8pm

The Explainer Series is about exploring the questions we’re all asking.They're in our food, our water, our air - and increasingly, our blood. Microplastics have gone from an environmental footnote to one of the most talked-about and least-understood health concerns of our time. But in a media landscape full of alarming headlines, it can be hard to know what the science actually says. Are we in serious danger? Are the studies reliable? And what can any of us actually do about it? This session will cut through the noise with one of the world's leading researchers on plastics and human health - right here in Brisbane.Meet your speakers:Dr Cassandra Rauert is a leading expert in measuring our exposures to microplastics and understanding if they can get into our bodies. They're also an avid house plant collector who isn’t always successful and keeping them alive, but tries very hard. They are most excited to talk about current microplatics myths (do we actually eat a credit card a week?) and ways we can all reduce our exposures.Jessica van Vonderen is the host of ABC TV’s flagship 7pm news bulletin in Queensland. From elections, to cyclones, fires and floods, over more than two decades, Jessica has reported on some of the biggest stories affecting Queensland. She is stubbornly trying to avoid AI, but has recently rekindled her love for crochet. The question she is most excited to ask: “Is my lipstick bad for me?”The Explainer SeriesThe Explainer Series is a space for thoughtful conversations with people who really know their stuff, sharing insights and context so we can better navigate the big and small questions in our lives.From international law and cryptocurrency to climate change, gut health and space junk, these talks bring ideas, trends and debates into focus, helping us form our own understanding, guided by curiosity and expertise.There’s no spin and no hype, just experts helping us think more clearly about the world around us.The Explainer Series is generously supported by Gina Fairfax AC and Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Library Foundation.Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.Please consult our conditions of entry and Ticketing Terms and Conditions before making your booking. 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.The views expressed by the speakers are their own and the promotion of products/services is not endorsed by State Library.
Event details
RAAF officer pinning a medal to the uniform of another officer
Booking required
Caring for military medals and collections

Sun 13 Sep · 10:30–11:30am

We invite you to join us at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries on Sunday 13 September for a free and informative talk focused on the care and preservation of military-related items in your collection. Whether you have medals, wartime mementos, or other historical objects, this session will provide valuable insights into the best practices for their protection and longevity. This talk will be presented by State Library’s preservation team who will share expert tips on how to properly store and care for these important items, helping you appreciate their cultural and historical significance while ensuring they remain in good condition for years to come. It is an excellent opportunity to learn practical techniques for preserving your collection and to connect with others who share an interest in history and conservation. Questions are welcome. After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the World War I to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands.Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the double brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance. Book now to secure your tickets!
Event details
All events
Skip to next item

Collections