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.

Brisbane Portrait Prize 2025 self-guided school tour

Year 6–12 | 45-minute self-guided tour I 10am–11am, 11am-12pm, 12pm–1pm, 1pm-2pm | slq Gallery until 9 November

The Brisbane Portrait Prize celebrates the stories and lives of the people of Meanjin/Brisbane. From public figures to family members and self-portraits, the works on display highlight the diversity and individuality of our city. Plan a self-guided school visit to immerse your students in the creative talent of Brisbane’s artists and the ways they capture connection, character, and identity. With portraits ranging from hyper-realistic detail to expressive abstraction and photographic moments, the exhibition invites students to pause, reflect, and consider what makes each story unique.

Enhance the experience with support from in-gallery Brisbane Portraiture Prize volunteers or explore independently using the exhibition treasure hunt resource—making this a rewarding and engaging visit for learners of all ages.

For classroom resources supporting art making, portraiture, identity, representation and the perspectives of both artists and their subjects visit State Library’s Curriculum Connect website.

Book a self-guided school tour today.

Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai self-guided school tour 

20-minute self-guided tour 
10am-12pm and 12:30pm-2:30pm | kuril dhagun, 25 October to 22 February 2026 

Plan a visit to Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai this term to connect your students with Torres Strait Islander culture and storytelling through these powerful works of visual art. 

Featuring 26 of Billy Missi’s (1970–2012) most significant artworks, including rare and never-before-seen monoprints, etchings, and linoprints this exhibition celebrates his pioneering influence on Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) printmaking as a contemporary art form.  

Support pre- and post-visit student engagement with the exhibition with these classroom resources: 

• Primary education resource
• Secondary education resource

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.