Host a play space for children in your Library

Queensland Public Libraries are invited to submit an expression of interest to partner with the State Library of Queensland (State Library) to deliver a play space for children and families in your library.

Expressions of Interest due: 13 May 2018

Project delivery: In time for the June/ July 2018 school holidays or as negotiated

State Library will lend successful applicants their choice of a ready-made, themed learning and play environment to be adapted to their own space and community needs. Each kit includes a number of large play sets plus props, resources and recommended reading. There are three themes to choose from: Let’s Build; Colour My World or Little Antarctic Division. Details on exactly what’s available can be found in the application documents (links at the end of this article).

Prop from The Corner theme Let's Build

Prop from The Corner theme Colour My World

We’ll work with you to adapt the play space to meet your requirements, develop an install plan and provide ongoing support for the duration of the project. We’ll also cover freight and get your staff started with a professional development webinar on the purpose of the space and the role they play in facilitating engagement.

Little Antarctic Division props

Little Antarctic Division props

Your role

The role of each participating library will be to champion the benefits of a play based learning space to all staff and provide on-going support to front of house staff in the day to day management of the space.  Participation will also require:

• A dedicated staff member assigned to work with SLQ to develop an install plan, deliver the project and communicate with us fortnightly on the project progress.


• Install the resources in your library. This will require some heavy lifting and possible use of a drill.


• Support for as many of your staff as possible to attend the SLQ professional development webinar.


• Joint evaluation of the project

There are many benefits to participating in the project for your library and your community, including increased opportunities to engage with community stakeholders, support for existing programming through the provision of additional resources and an opportunity to support children and families in the development of language, social skills and a love of libraries.

Key Dates

• 13 May 2018: Expressions of Interest due


• 23 May 2018: Successful applications notified


• 28 May 2018: Finalisation of delivery schedule and partnership agreements


• June onwards: Project delivery as negotiated with each library

Before applying please read the EOI Call Out and Additional Information for EOI Applicants which contain all the details you need to apply.

Apply by answering the three questions in the document (Maximum 200 words per question)

Email your application by COB 13 May 2018 to ypf@slq.qld.gov.au

For more information contact Amelia Kalifa, Young People and Families, State Library of Queensland 3842 9827 or ypf@slq.qld.gov.au