Onsite experiences

Onsite research strategies workshop

Maximum 50 students and chaperones I Years 7–12 I 2 hour session I 10am–12pm and 12.30pm–2.30pm

In this interactive workshop, led by an expert library professional, students in Years 7–12 will learn how to craft effective search inquiries, use State Library’s One Search catalogue, and access a wide range of resources, including physical collections, e-books, databases and news archives.

These sessions support the completion of research assessments or external exam tasks. The session offers guidance while fostering media and information literacy skills, equipping students for academic achievement and lifelong success.

Workshop  notes:

• Teachers to provide a research topic or copy of student assessment to assist with workshop delivery.
• Students will be asked to create a free State Library of Queensland membership to maximise their experience and gain full access to the library’s resources.
• Bookings for these workshops close 10 business days before event date. 

Independent study 

Maximum 50 students and chaperones I Years 7–12 I 2 hour session I 10am–12pm and 12.30pm–2.30pm

Reserve our schools study space on level 3 for independent study. This space features large tables perfect for school groups and quiet instruction with convenient access to the State Library’s extensive collections.

Please note: Dedicated librarian assistance is not included with this booking. If required, we recommend booking our onsite Research Strategies workshop to enhance your students’ learning experience.

The unbroken spirit of the Kalkadoons school tour

Year 6–12 | 45-minute self-guided tour I 10am–11am, 11-12:00pm, 12–1:00pm, 1-2pm | Term 2 until 22 August  

Kalkadoon (Kalkadunga) woman and visual artist Colleen Sam, together with her mother, Aunty Ena Sam, share the remarkable story of the Kalkadoon people’s resilience and survival in The Unbroken Spirit of the Kalkadoons exhibition—a powerful tribute to survival and the enduring strength of culture to heal both land and people.

Plan a self-guided school visit to give your students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Kalkadoon culture, history, and resilience. Family-friendly labels throughout the exhibition support students’ independent exploration, reflection, and learning. To enrich the experience, prepare your students ahead of time by engaging with the exhibition’s Curriculum Connect learning resource, The Unbroken Spirit of the Kalkadoons, before your visit.

Book a school tour today.

Deaf in Dance school tour

Maximum 35 students | Year 4-12 | 20-minute self-guided tour I 10am–12pm and 12.30pm–2.30pm | kuril dhagun until 23 May

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.

Book a school tour today.

Explore State Library–Treasure Hunt

Years 4–10 | 10am–2.30pm | self-guided

We invite you to explore all five floors of State Library! Divide your school group into smaller groups of 2–10 students and guide them on an exciting journey of discovery. Simply download the Explore State Library - Treasure Hunt resource to start your adventure.

Please note: Adult supervision is required for each group, and group sizes must be no larger than 10 to ensure a safe and enriching experience.

Explore First Nations Artworks

Maximum 35 students and chaperones | Years 7–12 | 10am–2.30pm | self-guided

Discover three extraordinary First Nations public art installations at State Library of Queensland: MAIWAR Yunggulba (2017) by Megan Cope, Kurilpa Country by Lilla Watson, and Black Opium (2006) by Fiona Foley. Download the Explore First Nations Artworks resource to help your students uncover the profound significance of these remarkable artworks and the powerful stories they tell.