Guided experiences

Research experience

55 students max  | Years 7 – 12 | 2-hour session I 10am – 12pm & 12.30pm – 2.30pm.

This experience is designed for school groups seeking to build information literacy by blending in-school preparation with onsite research.

Teachers, please supply a topic for research or an assignment question when booking. A librarian will provide search terms and suggested resources for students to use. Once onsite the group is greeted by a volunteer who leads the way to our dedicated study area where students explore their topic using State Library’s Catalogue and online resources. Short how-to videos are available to provide students with basic search skills. To complete research, students will need to bring their own devices.

Any groups larger than 35 will require additional seating that will be organised by library staff prior to your school’s attendance.

Working Country schools tour

35 students max | All years | 20 minute guided tour within session I 10am – 12.00pm & 12.30 – 2.30pm

Open now until 14 May 2024

In a time of unruly upheaval and devastation to land and family life from the colonial invasion, Working Country was a means of survival. 

In this showcase, students will explore Queensland's Aboriginal stockmen and stockwomen legacy, the significance of Aboriginal trade routes in the state's pastoral industry, experiences on cattle stations, Aboriginal-run rodeos, and the historical struggle for equal pay and land rights.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023 schools tour 

35 students max | Years 10 – 12 | 1-hr session | 9.30am – 10.30am I 11am – 12pm I 12.30pm – 1.30pm I 2pm – 3pm

Open 11 May – 7 July 2024

School groups are invited to join State Library staff in a tour of the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023.

This touring exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery, showcases 47 extraordinary works by finalists, that reflect the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring portrait photographers, and their unique subjects.

Deaf in dance schools tour

35 students max | All years | 20 minute guided tour within session I 10am – 12.00pm & 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Open 25 May 2024 – 16 March 2025

Deaf in dance showcases the unique and inspiring journey of a renowned Cairns-based Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG). Spanning over 27 years of community impact and engagement, DIDG has seen many hard of hearing Indigenous dancers form part of its rich tapestry of cultural expression.

Anzac Square Memorial Galleries tour

30 students max | Years 7 – 10 | 45 minute session

Teachers, book a free school tour of Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries and allow your students to explore the people, places and stories that underpin Queensland's military history. Our knowledgeable guides will bring history to life as they lead your students through the interactive exhibition, engaging them in an authentic, participatory learning process. Through this tour, students can discover the local significance of Australia's war history and uncover the stories of Queenslanders who showed remarkable courage, resilience, bravery, and selflessness during times of conflict.  
 
Click here to view specific links to the Australian Curriculum (Version 9.0) and the QCAA Modern History General Senior Syllabus. 
 

Artists’ books, white gloves experience

15 students max | Years 10 – 12 | 45 minute session | 11am – 11.45am

Wed 7 Aug I Wed 21 Aug I Wed 2 Oct I Wed 6 Nov I Wed 20 Nov 

Students and teachers are invited to investigate State Library's fantastic collection of artists' books in this exclusive, hands-on white gloves experience!

Led by expert librarians, students will be inspired by selected works from one of the largest publicly accessible artists' book collections in Australia. Challenging the traditional concept of a paper book, including sculptural elements. Each work has its own story to tell through this rich and tactile media.